Toronto’s Brutal Roster Purge – 5 Players Facing the Axe in 2025!

The 2024 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that once carried playoff expectations but now finds itself facing harsh reality. Disappointing performances, internal dysfunction, and a lack of cohesion have made it clear — a major roster purge is coming in 2025. No one’s job is safe, but some players stand out as the top candidates to face the axe when the front office inevitably hits the reset button.

Here are five Blue Jays players most likely to be shown the door before the 2025 season begins.

1. Alek Manoah – From Ace to Afterthought

Just two seasons ago, Alek Manoah was heralded as the future face of the Blue Jays’ rotation. Armed with a blazing fastball, electric slider, and unshakable confidence, Manoah quickly became a fan favorite. But his fall from grace has been one of the most shocking storylines in Toronto sports. After injuries, conditioning issues, and a string of disastrous starts, Manoah’s value has cratered.

The Blue Jays have been patient, hoping he could recapture his All-Star form, but the results just aren’t there. With a farm system brimming with pitching prospects ready for their shot, Manoah could be the odd man out in 2025. Whether via trade, demotion, or outright release, the writing appears to be on the wall.

2. Danny Jansen – The Odd Catcher Out

The Blue Jays’ handling of their catching situation has been a constant balancing act between Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk. While Jansen has had his moments — especially with his timely power — durability concerns and inconsistent offense have left the Blue Jays front office questioning whether he’s still part of the long-term plan.

Jansen’s contract situation further complicates things. With arbitration eligibility winding down and free agency looming, the Blue Jays may decide to cut ties rather than invest more money in an aging, injury-prone catcher. Expect Toronto to prioritize either younger options or external upgrades for 2025.

3. Yusei Kikuchi – Expensive Experiment Failing to Deliver

When the Blue Jays signed Yusei Kikuchi, they envisioned a mid-rotation arm capable of eating innings and delivering quality starts. Instead, they’ve gotten inconsistency, frustrating performances, and limited upside. Despite flashes of brilliance, Kikuchi’s command problems and home run issues have left him as a liability far too often.

With a hefty contract weighing down the payroll and younger, cheaper arms in the pipeline, Kikuchi is a prime candidate to be either traded or released before the 2025 season. The front office’s patience is running thin, and his spot on the roster could easily be sacrificed in the name of flexibility.

4. Cavan Biggio – The Endless Disappointment

Once part of Toronto’s heralded “next generation” alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio has never lived up to expectations. His versatility was once considered an asset, but his inability to hit consistently has turned him into a defensive utility player with little offensive value.

Biggio’s streaky performances, coupled with a crowded infield and outfield mix, make him a near-lock to be jettisoned before 2025. The Blue Jays simply cannot afford to keep giving at-bats to a player who hasn’t proven he can consistently contribute. Whether he’s designated for assignment or traded for a minimal return, Biggio’s time in Toronto appears to be over.

5. Kevin Gausman – The Surprise Name on the Chopping Block

This one may shock some fans, but Kevin Gausman’s future with the Blue Jays is far from secure. Yes, he’s been the team’s most reliable starter over the past few seasons, but with the team entering what could be a rebuilding or retooling phase, Gausman’s hefty salary becomes a prime target.

At 34 years old entering the 2025 season, Gausman’s value on the trade market could be high — especially for contending teams in need of rotation help. If Toronto decides to dismantle and rebuild, moving Gausman could provide the club with desperately needed prospects and payroll relief. It would be a bold move, but the front office is under pressure to make dramatic changes.

A Necessary Overhaul

For a franchise that spent years carefully constructing a “win-now” core, the Blue Jays’ freefall in 2024 has been both embarrassing and eye-opening. The front office can no longer afford to cling to sentimentality or failed projects. The 2025 season will likely mark the beginning of a new era, and that means parting ways with underperforming veterans and re-evaluating even once-untouchable names.

Fans should brace for a brutal offseason filled with tough decisions and shocking exits. Whether it’s former stars like Manoah and Gausman or longtime fixtures like Biggio and Jansen, the Blue Jays roster will look radically different in 2025. One thing is certain — the era of cautious tinkering is over. The axe is coming, and no one is safe.