The Blue Jays face a crowded field in their pursuit of reliever Jonathan Loaisiga. The Dodgers and Phillies have now joined the race, according to Jon Heyman.

“Dodgers and Phillies among others in on Loaisiga (also Mets, Yanks, Jays),” Heyman wrote, adding that ESPN's Jesse Rogers had mentioned Los Angeles.

That's a long list of contenders for one reliever, and one of them is an AL East rival.

The interest makes sense. Loaisiga turned a prove-it deal with the Diamondbacks into one of the best bounce-back seasons on the market.

He posted a 2.42 ERA over 67 innings while allowing just three homers.

Why does Toronto care so much about one reliever? Because the pitching staff can't afford another 2026.

The Blue Jays' bullpen push runs into Dodgers and Phillies money

SI's Yirsandy Rodriguez expects the Jays to land a high-profile starter, but argued they shouldn't rule out taking the bullpen “to a much higher level than what we saw this year.”

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson framed the broader challenge as finding “that line now between bad luck and controllable variables.”

Toronto has already shown interest in Alex Vesia and checked on A.J. Minter. Loaisiga would give them a groundball righty to go with those lefty targets.

Toronto shouldn't get into a bidding war here. With the Dodgers and Yankees involved, the price could climb past what a middle-innings arm is worth for a team with bigger holes.

Chasing him now is like bidding at an auction where the guy next to you has a bottomless wallet. Sometimes the smartest move is putting the paddle down.

There are other options. Kevin Ginkel and Evan Phillips have also come up in Toronto's bullpen conversations.

The Jays' bullpen is already a strength, led by Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers and Spencer Miles.

If Loaisiga's price stays reasonable, Ross Atkins should push. If it doesn't, the money is better spent on the bats this lineup still badly needs.