The Blue Jays have checked in on lefty A.J. Minter as bullpen talks heat up at the GM meetings, according to Sportsnet. Toronto has also been in touch with Kevin Ginkel.

Bullpen help sits behind offence and starting pitching on the priority list. But Ross Atkins made it clear the club is open to adding.

“In an ideal world, we get through an off-season where we can add to every aspect of our team,” Atkins said.

He added that any bullpen addition would come at “a very high impact level” or through “a more creative product,” like a waiver claim, Rule 5 pick or minor league deal.

Ginkel struck out 72 batters over 67.2 innings for Arizona last season. The lefty market is deep beyond Minter, too, with Alex Vesia, Steven Okert, Gregory Soto and Sean Newcomb available.

Why spend on relievers again? Because October now runs through the bullpen.

Postseason bullpen usage is pushing the Blue Jays toward A.J. Minter

Relievers recorded 53% of all postseason outs in 2026. That's up from 43% in 2016.

Teams are building for October, which is why late-inning arms like Adrian Morejon are projected to out-earn back-end starters.

Toronto has already shifted its approach. Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Rogers both received three-year deals in the past two winters.

The current group is strong, led by Louis Varland, Rogers, Spencer Miles, Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher. But another trusted lefty to pair with Fluharty and Brendon Little would help.

Minter is the right kind of target. A proven lefty on a two-year deal fixes a real gap without draining money from the bats Toronto needs most.

Adding a lefty to this bullpen is like adding a reliable backup goalie to a strong team. You don't notice until the starter needs a night off in the playoffs.

Offence remains the main event. Sportsnet reported interest in Seiya Suzuki, Brandon Lowe, Teruaki Sato, Ketel Marte and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

The Jays would reportedly be fine starting the season without a splashy reliever. But if Minter fits the budget, Toronto shouldn't wait until October to wish it had him.