2026 Toronto Blue Jays Roster Projection, v1

[Sam Charles]

This time last year, the Toronto Blue Jays were in the midst of determining what 2025 would look like. Was it time to go all in? Or start rebuilding? Negotiations with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were stalling, and the front office was trying to put forward a brave face. They were adamant that the 74-win 2024 season was an anomaly.

Fast-forward 365 days, and Jays are talking like a team that understands that the future is now. The team heads into the 2026 season with a singular mission: to finish what they started in 2025. After a 94-win campaign that culminated in a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh game of the World Series, the Jays have doubled down on their commitment to winning now. This is not a rebuilding year, nor a transitional phase; it’s an all-in push for a championship.

The front office is showing a willingness to spend aggressively, even at the cost of crossing the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold. With a payroll projected north of $264 million, the Blue Jays are firmly entrenched in the second tier of CBT penalties. For a franchise that was literally inches from winning the World Series (for the first time since 1993), the road to a championship is similar to that of the last 30 years. Pay now, win now.

The big question mark this offseason is Bo Bichette. His 2025 season demonstrated that he was back to form as a hard-hitting middle-of-the-lineup hitter. Even on one leg in the World Series, he nearly helped the team win the series. While the Jays remain in the mix to re-sign him, rumors have swirled about potential pivots to Kyle Tucker or Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami if Bichette departs. Either move would reshape the lineup and signal Toronto’s willingness to think outside the box.

It is unlikely that any or all of the following will return in 2026: Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Ty France, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. However, the Jays have internal depth and financial flexibility to handle their departures.

The 2026 40-man roster is building up to be an interesting blend of established players, high-priced free agents, and emerging prospects. It’s a team built for a division that continues to be tough. Here’s how the roster is coming together and what it means for 2026.

Projected Lineup
Assuming Bichette returns, the Jays’ 2026 starting lineup would look something like this:

1. George Springer (DH)
2. Bo Bichette (SS)
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)
4. Anthony Santander (LF)
5. Alejandro Kirk (C)
6. Ernie Clement (3B)
7. Daulton Varsho (CF)
8. Addison Barger (RF)
9. Andrés Giménez (2B)

Bench options include Myles Straw, Joey Loperfido, Davis Schneider, and Nathan Lukes, offering flexibility and matchup advantages.

Starting Rotation
Toronto’s rotation will be one of the best in the AL East next season:

• Kevin Gausman
• Dylan Cease
• Shane Bieber
• Trey Yesavage
• José Berríos

Depth options include Eric Lauer, Bowden Francis, and minor leaguer Ricky Tiedemann, ensuring the Jays can weather injuries without a significant drop-off.

By projected fWAR, Toronto’s rotation ranks second in the AL East (12.7), trailing only Boston (14.3).

Bullpen Outlook
The bullpen remains a work in progress. The Blue Jays agreed to terms with right-handed Cody Ponce on December 2, though it's unclear what his role will be. It is also unclear how he will fit into the 40-man roster as someone will need to be removed. Brandon Little, Justin Bruihl or Lázaro Estrada are most likely to be traded or designated for assignment to make room.

• Yimi García
• Louis Varland
• Braydon Fisher
• Yariel Rodríguez
• Jeff Hoffman
• Eric Lauer
• Mason Fluharty
• Brandon Little
• Tommy Nance
• Paxton Schultz
• Lázaro Estrada
• Justin Bruihl
• Angel Bastardo
• Cody Ponce

The Jays have been rumoured to be exploring options, including free agents Edwin Díaz and Pete Fairbanks. Although the team doesn’t have a big repository of top prospects in the minors, there has been talk of potential trades. Many of the trade options hinge on whether the Jays can re-sign Bichette. If not, they’ll be seeking an infielder and perhaps more pitching depth.

Catcher

• Alejandro Kirk
• Tyler Heineman

Kirk and Heineman are slated to return behind the plate in 2026. The Jays tendered the switch-hitting Heineman a contract to prevent him from becoming a free agent.

The third catcher on the Jays’ 40-man roster is Brandon Valenzuela, who was acquired last season in a trade with the San Diego Padres for Will Wagner. At the time, the 24-year-old switch-hitter was the 26th-ranked prospect in the San Diego system.

Infield

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Andrés Giménez
• Ernie Clement
• Addison Barger
• Leo Jiménez

Depending on Bichette, there won’t be a lot of changes here. The Jays may try to talk Bichette into transitioning to second, or not. Barger and Schneider will serve as backups in the infield and outfield to allow for rest days.

If Bichette doesn’t re-sign, then the infield will most likely need to add a piece via trade or free agency. Technically, a healthy Santander would roam right field, enabling Barger to play the infield and shift Clement to second with Giménez at short. Light-hitting Leo Jiménez, who saw limited action last season, could be called up in case of injury.

Outfield
The Jays have a surplus of MLB-worthy outfielders. This could support trading one or more to address the team’s infield or relief pitching needs.

• Jonatan Clase
• Joey Loperfido
• Nathan Lukes
• Anthony Santander
• Davis Schneider
• George Springer
• Myles Straw
• Daulton Varsho
• Addison Barger (listed as an infielder on the roster)

Prospects to Watch
The Jays’ farm system ranks amongst the top half of all MLB systems. The meteoric rise of Trey Yasavage is not the norm, but the Jays do have several players to keep an eye on:

• Arjun Nimmala (SS) Infielder with plenty of tools, but early in development. Projected to get to the Majors by 2028.
• JoJo Parker (OF) Power-speed combo, could debut late in 2026, but more likely in 2029.
• Gage Stanifer (RHP) pitched in Double-A last season. Probably two years away from the Majors.
• Ricky Tiedemann (LHP) Faced numerous injuries over his brief career, but has top-level stuff.
• RJ Schreck (OF) Roamed the outfield last season in Triple-A. Bit of a logjam at the major league level, so might be traded, move up with Lukes, Straw, or Barger, or dealt.

These prospects provide both insurance and trade capital for a team in win-now mode.

The 2026 Toronto Blue Jays are being built to win. The big question mark is Bo Bichette. If he chooses to walk, the Jays can use those dollars to add pieces via free agency or trade.

Baseball is unpredictable, and the margin for error in the AL East is razor-thin. Boston, New York, and Baltimore are all reloading for 2026. Even Tampa Bay is rumoured to be exploring a trade to re-acquire Zach Eflin.

Either way, one thing is sure: the Blue Jays are all-in, and 2025 might just have been the start of something extra special.  

View full article

[mphenhef]

The Jays have room on their 40 man for Ponce.

[Spanky__99]

No way Little is a DFA candidate, and Jimenez has no more options, he needs to be added to the 26 man roster, he can't be sent to Buffalo unless they designate him and that would surely be a mistake and he'd be claimed, I have no doubt about that, Steamer600 projects this guy as a 2 win ballplayer, he's league min and valuable, no more IKF's please. Just my 2 cents...and as mentioned we have room on the 40. Re-sign Bo and add a high leverage arm and we're gravy. 😉

ETA: Move Straw and Clase for IFA money or something. Loperfido can be our 5th OF'er at League minimum, 7M+ for a 5th OFer is senseless. Lukes can even play CF in a pinch.