Blue Jays Roundup, Oct 26: Bateman's 2027 Role, Colabello's Career, Varland's 2026 Closers

[Jays Centre]

Here is some of the latest Blue Jays analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Brett Bateman's value, Chris Colabello's 2015 season, Andrés Giménez's Gold Glove chances, Louis Varland's closer success, José Berrios' contract issues, and the 1993 World Series win.

• Blue Jays’ search for outfield power shouldn’t squeeze out Brett Bateman (Jays Journal). Notes that Brett Bateman's strong 2026 performance, including a .329/.402/.424 line and 1.9 fWAR, makes him a valuable asset for the Blue Jays despite potential competition for playing time from power-hitting free agents and returning players.
• Happy Birthday Chris Colabello (Bluebird Banter). Notes the story of Chris Colabello's 2015 season with the Blue Jays, highlighting his .321/.367/.520 batting line, 15 home runs, and 0.7 bWAR, as well as his struggles in the outfield and subsequent PED suspension.
• Assessing Andrés Giménez’ chances of winning his fourth Gold Glove (Blue Jays Nation). Notes that Andrés Giménez has strong defensive metrics at shortstop, including 19 Outs Above Average and 16 Fielding Run Value, but faces stiff competition from Bobby Witt Jr. and Taylor Walls, with Witt Jr. likely to win his third consecutive Gold Glove.
• Louis Varland took the Blue Jays’ closer job in April and ran with it (Blue Jays Nation). Notes that Louis Varland took over as the Blue Jays’ closer in April 2026 and dominated the role, posting 35 saves, a 1.27 ERA, and 1.83 FIP over 78 innings in 2025, with the lowest ERA among relievers with 50+ innings.
• Blue Jays face their own costly contract dilemma as Angels move on from Anthony Rendon (Jays Journal). Notes the Blue Jays' struggle with José Berrios' seven-year, $131 million contract, citing his 53-39 record, 4.09 ERA, and 1.245 WHIP since 2021, along with his 2026 elbow injury and 2027 Tommy John Surgery, which has left the team paying $24 million annually for a declining pitcher.
• Today in Blue Jays History: Jays Win Second World Series (Bluebird Banter). Looks back at the Blue Jays' 1993 World Series win, highlighting Joe Carter's walk-off home run in Game 6, Pat Hentgen's potential Game 7 start, and key players like Molitor, Alomar, and Ward, with Molitor named series MVP.