Blue Jays reportedly linked to star free agents Freeman, Schwarber

The Toronto Blue Jays may be very close to some big roster additions as rumblings linking the team to star free agents grow louder.

On Monday, former Major Leaguer Carlos Baerga reported on Instagram that free agent infielder Freddie Freeman is heavily considering signing with Toronto.

Freeman has been one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason after being named an All-Star starter and leading the Atlanta Braves to a World Series title last fall. The 32-year-old recorded 31 home runs and 81 RBI to go with a .300 batting average and a .393 OBP last season.

Freeman also carries dual Canadian-American citizenship, as both his parents — especially his late mother — have southern Ontario roots, which would make a signing with the Blue Jays a sort of homecoming for the 12-year veteran, who posted just how much it meant to him to represent Canada in the World Baseball Classic back in 2017:

With the Braves trading for Oakland A’s star first baseman Matt Olson on Monday, it is practically guaranteed that Freeman will not return to Atlanta, making a move north of the border even more plausible.

But Freeman isn’t the only big-name slugger linked to Toronto recently, with MLB Network's Jon Heyman, among others, reporting that star outfielder/DH Kyle Schwarber is on the Blue Jays’ radar as well.

Schwarber would fit cleanly into the Jays’ current lineup, adding some much needed power from the left side of the plate. The 29-year-old had a strong 2021 season split between the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, mashing 32 home runs and 71 RBI while earning his first MLB All-Star appearance.

Toronto has already made splashes in the free-agent market this offseason, notably signing starting pitcher Kevin Gausman to a five-year, $110-million deal in late November. The team’s starting pitching got another boost on Saturday, securing the services of Yusei Kikuchi with a three-year, $36-million contract.

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