2017 Toronto Blue Jays season

Offseason

The Blue Jays offseason began on October 19, 2016, when they were eliminated by the Cleveland Indians in the American League Championship Series. On October 24, general manager Ross Atkins held a press conference at the Rogers Centre to discuss the team's offseason plans. Atkins stated that the club would likely extend qualifying offers to pending free agents José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación, and pick up Jason Grilli's $3 million contract option for the 2017 season. He also told reporters that the team could explore stretching out Joe Biagini and using him as a starting pitcher, and that Roberto Osuna would remain a relief pitcher indefinitely. With regards to the coaching staff, Atkins stated that the coaches from 2016, with the exception of assistant hitting coach Eric Owens, would return for the 2017 season.

Center fielder Kevin Pillar underwent surgery in late October to repair a thumb ligament he tore in August, and is expected to be ready for 2017 spring training. Jason Grilli's option for the 2017 season was picked up by the team on November 5. On November 7, Bautista and Encarnación were each issued a $17.2 million qualifying offer for the 2017 season. R.A. Dickey signed with the Atlanta Braves on November 10. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a Cuban player who defected in February 2016, signed a seven-year, $22 million contract with the Blue Jays on November 12. Encarnación and Bautista each declined their qualifying offers on November 14. The Blue Jays will gain a compensatory first round draft selection in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft if they sign with any other team. Kendrys Morales signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays on November 18. The Blue Jays also claimed Dominic Leone and Leonel Campos on November 18, and added Anthony Alford, Ryan Borucki, and Richard Ureña to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft. The St. Louis Cardinals and Brett Cecil finalized a four-year, $30.5 million contract on November 21. Steve Pearce signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with Toronto on December 5. The Blue Jays selected Glenn Sparkman in the Rule 5 draft on December 8, and lost minor leaguers Jorge Flores, Jorge Saez, and Matt Smoral in the Triple-A phase of the draft.

Edwin Encarnación agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Cleveland Indians on December 22, 2016. The contract was officially signed on January 5, 2017. On January 12, Darwin Barney and Ezequiel Carrera agreed to one-year contracts worth $2.8875 million and $1.1625 million respectively, avoiding salary arbitration. Aaron Loup agreed to a one-year, $1.125 million contract for the 2017 season the following day, leaving Marcus Stroman as the lone remaining Blue Jay eligible for arbitration. After several days of negotiations, José Bautista signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Blue Jays on January 18. His contract also includes a mutual option for the 2018 season valued at $17 million, and a $20 million vesting option for 2019. Michael Saunders signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on January 19. Four Blue Jays players were featured to MLB's Top 100 prospects list when it was revealed on January 28. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was rated the top prospect for Toronto, ranked 34th. Sean Reid-Foley, Anthony Alford, and Richard Ureña were ranked 64th, 70th, and 94th respectively.

Entering February, the Blue Jays were still in search of relief pitching and catching depth. Jarrod Saltalamacchia was signed to a minor league contract on February 6. Three days later, the Jays signed J. P. Howell and Joe Smith to a one-year contracts worth $3 million each. Chad Girodo and A. J. Jiménez were designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Howell and Smith. Marcus Stroman won his arbitration case against the Blue Jays on February 14, and was awarded a $3.4 million salary for the season.

Spring training

Blue Jays pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on February 14 in Dunedin, Florida. Position players reported on February 17. Josh Donaldson suffered a right calf strain while working out on February 20, and was ruled out for 2-3 weeks. On February 23, the team announced that non-roster invitee Casey Lawrence would start the first game of the Grapefruit League season, and be followed in the rotation by Joe Biagini and Mat Latos.