The Toronto Blue Jays spent last November standing 90 feet from a World Series championship. They will spend this October at home. Wednesday’s elimination made the fall official. The Blue Jays stood at 77-82, last in the American League East, with three games remaining.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 7 of the 2025 World Series in 11 innings, ending a run that seemed to put Toronto on the doorstep of something lasting. Instead, the 2026 Blue Jays showed how quickly a contender can lose its margin for error. Injuries mattered, but a season-long power shortage demanded more than patience.

General manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider received contract extensions in March. Their next test is improving the roster around its established core. These three changes would give the Blue Jays a better chance to contend in 2027.

Replace the hitting coach and rebuild the approach

Few moves would be harder than replacing David Popkins. He helped guide the Blue Jays’ 2025 offense to the World Series and earned his share of the credit. But baseball is a results business. Toronto now has one of the sport’s weakest lineups, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has hit just nine home runs. Atkins cannot demand accountability from his hitters while exempting the coach who leads their preparation.

Replacing Popkins would not assign him sole blame for Guerrero’s 2026 struggles. It would force the organization to examine how it prepares hitters and responds when its approach stops producing runs. Atkins should seek a coach who can preserve Toronto’s contact skills while helping hitters drive pitches they can handle.

A wholesale chase for home runs would sacrifice part of what made the 2025 club dangerous. But the 2026 lineup too often put the ball in play without hitting it hard enough to threaten opponents. The Blue Jays need individual plans for Guerrero, Kazuma Okamoto and their younger hitters, with checkpoints early enough to make adjustments during the season.

Spend the open outfield money on a proven power bat

The Blue Jays traded Daulton Varsho in August, and George Springer’s six-year contract expires after the season. Those changes give Atkins a chance to reshape the outfield. He should pursue an established corner outfielder who can hit near the middle of the order for several seasons.

Seiya Suzuki would be one free-agent target if he reaches the market. A trade for a controllable hitter could accomplish the same goal. The Blue Jays need consistent power, the ability to reach base ahead of Guerrero and a workable defensive fit. Simply finding another player who puts the ball in play would leave the lineup with the same problem.

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Atkins can draw on money freed by expiring veteran deals, although he should avoid emptying the farm system to fill one opening. Brett Bateman has earned a chance to compete for outfield playing time. Addison Barger should remain part of the plan as he works back from elbow surgery, but his return timetable adds uncertainty. A proven addition would let both develop without asking them to rescue the lineup.

The Blue Jays do not need a star at every position. They do need another hitter opponents fear when Guerrero comes to the plate. Toronto already invested heavily in its franchise player. Adding support around him would make that investment more likely to translate into wins.

Build a rotation that can withstand another injury wave

Dylan Cease, Jose Soriano, and Trey Yesavage form a strong starting point. They cannot form the entire plan. Cease’s shoulder inflammation ended his season, while Yesavage missed time after knee surgery. Jose Berrios underwent Tommy John surgery and might not return until late 2027. Cody Ponce and Bowden Francis face their own questions after missing 2026.

Atkins should acquire another dependable starter even if the projected rotation appears full. Toronto should arrive at spring training with at least six credible starting options and enough depth beyond them to absorb a setback. That could create difficult roster decisions if everyone stays healthy. The Blue Jays should welcome that problem after this season’s injuries.

Tarik Skubal remains with the Dodgers through 2026 and is set to become a free agent after the season. Los Angeles gave up three prospects to acquire him, so the Blue Jays should expect fierce competition if they pursue him. Atkins cannot build his rotation plan around landing Skubal. A dependable starter at a lower cost could still protect Yesavage’s workload, reduce bullpen games and help the staff withstand another injury.

The Blue Jays came within one swing of baseball immortality in 2025. A year later, they could not reach October. Atkins cannot treat that fall as a temporary setback. He must change the hitting staff, add power behind Guerrero and build a rotation that can survive another injury wave. Toronto’s championship window can stay open, but this winter will show whether the Blue Jays intend to keep it that way.