Blue Jays Lose Two Players to Free Agency After World Series Loss to Dodgers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 1:35 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays' 2025 season ended in heartbreak. After winning the American League East with a 94-68 record in the regular season, Toronto had a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series before the Dodgers crawled back and won an extra-inning battle in Game 7 to take the crown for the second consecutive year.

While the year didn't end how Blue Jays fans had hoped, it was still a very successful season for all those in the organization. Designated hitter George Springer was phenomenal, hitting .309 with 32 home runs and 84 RBIs, shortstop Bo Bichette led the team in batting average (.311) and RBIs (94), and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had an unbelievable playoff run, setting the franchise record with eight homers in the postseason.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider proved himself worthy of the position in his third full season after taking over midway through the 2022 season. After the impressive season, the 45-year-old was named a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year award.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider.© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

With the season having come to a close, the offseason begins and so do contract talks between players and upper-level management. On Thursday, the Blue Jays announced roster moves, including the loss of two players to free agency.

Toronto announced in a post on the team's X account that two right-handed pitchers, Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate, cleared waivers and elected free agency.

After both players were waived by the organization and cleared waivers, Burr and Tate had the option of being assigned to the minor leagues or becoming free agents, and they both chose the latter.

ROSTER MOVES:

INF Bo Bichette extended a Qualifying Offer for 2026

RHPs Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi García and Nick Sandlin reinstated from 60-day IL

C Brandon Valenzuela selected to Major League roster

RHPs Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate cleared waivers… pic.twitter.com/VXiwYfyQN6
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 6, 2025

Burr was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has made 102 appearances in his major-league career, 36 of which came with the Blue Jays over the past two seasons. He missed almost all of 2025 with a torn rotator cuff.

As for Tate, this season was his sixth in the majors. He made just six appearances in 2025 with a 4.26 ERA. He spent most of the year in Triple-A after being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in May.

Both players will enter free agency, which begins at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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