Toronto Sports Rumor Roundup – Nov 18, 2025

In ESPN’s massive offseason preview, Jeff Passan reports that multiple front-office executives consider the Toronto Blue Jays the leading suitor for superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. He notes Toronto has “no plans to slow down” after their World Series run and profiles as the strongest combination of need, fit, and financial willingness.

Passan also says the Jays could theoretically pursue both Tucker and Bo Bichette depending on how the market shakes out.

Along with Tucker, Toronto is also linked to Kyle Schwarber, one of the top power bats in free agency. Schwarber’s expected $30M+ AAV hasn’t cooled the market, and Passan includes the Jays among the teams seeking a major left-handed presence to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Rob Bradford reports that the Boston Red Sox are now showing interest in free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, adding another AL East contender to the mix. Bradford notes the connection between Bichette and Boston baseball boss Craig Breslow, a former teammate of his.

This development could push Bichette’s overall market higher and shift divisional dynamics depending on how aggressively Boston pursues him.

Mark Feinsand singles out Toronto as one of the best fits for LHP Framber Valdez, citing the Jays’ strong need for a left-handed innings-eating frontline starter. Feinsand notes that Toronto’s rotation effectiveness lagged behind other contenders last season, making Valdez an ideal stylistic addition.

Shane Bieber’s return at $16M is also mentioned as a move that frees up payroll flexibility for Toronto to pursue a major arm — or multiple.

Toronto continues to position itself at the top end of both the starting pitching and closer markets. Passan links the Jays to Valdez, Cease, Imai, Ranger Suárez, Michael King, and Zac Gallen — while also identifying Toronto as a suitor for top-end closers including Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams, and Ryan Helsley.

Passan also lists Toronto as viewing Cody Bellinger as a strong secondary option if Tucker lands elsewhere.

In a rare mid-season press conference, GM Brad Treliving said the Leafs have “underperformed” and stated: “I take full responsibility. I’m in charge of the hockey department.” He identified defensive commitment and lack of identity as the biggest issues, calling the team’s game “too vanilla.”

Despite the team’s struggles, Treliving strongly backed head coach Craig Berube: “Craig didn’t become a bad coach overnight,” he said, adding that the solution is “digging in together,” not finger-pointing.

Treliving said he continues to monitor trade options but emphasized that most issues must be solved internally: “You’re not trading your way out of problems… the majority of the problems we have need to be solved within that group.”

He declined to publicly commit on whether he’s willing to move future assets.

Treliving says Auston Matthews is still “day-to-day” and not expected to play Tuesday or Thursday. Chris Tanev’s return timeline remains unknown, though more clarity is expected next week. The Leafs will rely on internal depth and newly recalled center Jacob Quillan.

The GM said even in games Toronto wins, they sometimes didn’t “win the game,” noting that effort and commitment fluctuate too much from shift to shift. He stressed the need for the group to recommit to the hard parts of the game.

No significant Raptors-related reports surfaced today. This section will update as soon as new league-wide or team-driven rumours emerge.