Ranking the Depth Pieces That Have Kept the Blue Jays Afloat

When Shane Bieber was asked recently about the Blue Jays' mentality, the veteran right-hander pointed to "the fight that this team has."  As he put it, "That's why I love to be a Blue Jay."

The fact that the Jays have found their footing after a lacklustre start is thanks in large part to a cast of unexpected contributors.

Toronto's resurgence has been fuelled by a revolving door of newcomers, prospects, injury replacements and depth acquisitions who have collectively helped keep the season alive. They have become the backbone of the never-say-die mentality Bieber describes.

The Blue Jays have used 59 players this season, and many of them have appeared in 30 games or fewer. The number is a bit convoluted this week, as Brendan Cellucci was promoted then quickly replaced by Spencer Arrighetti.

The contributions from these players have played a significant role in keeping Toronto firmly in the playoff race while weathering injuries, roster turnover and underperformance from its core.

According to MLB Pipeline, Toronto's farm system has steadily improved over the last two seasons. After ranking near the bottom of baseball not long ago, the organization has begun producing far more useful depth. In a season in which injuries and roster turnover have tested everyone, that organizational depth has become one of the biggest reasons the Blue Jays are still standing.

Keep in mind that several players on this list would almost certainly have exceeded 30 games had injuries not interrupted their seasons.

Here is a ranking of all the position players, relievers and depth contributors with 30 games or fewer who have contributed (both big and small) to the season thus far. Since most starting pitchers have not yet reached the 30-game threshold, starters have been excluded from this ranking.

1. Brett Bateman (13 G, .321 AVG, .367 OBP, 4 RBI, 1 SB)
Bateman's spark was immediate. His speed, confidence at the plate, energy and athleticism have injected life into the lineup and given the Blue Jays another dimension offensively.

2. Charles McAdoo (19 G, .262 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
McAdoo's second stint in Toronto has looked completely different from his first. He has shown poise, versatility and an ability to deliver in key situations.

3. Luis Urías (26 G, .250 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI)
Urías brought veteran presence and positional versatility while also providing timely offense. His .803 OPS has made him one of the most productive call-up bats on the roster.

4. Adam Macko (22 G, 2-0, 4.91 ERA, 23 K)
Macko delivered valuable innings during a difficult stretch. His performance ultimately helped create enough value to be included in a trade with Texas.

Trade return: Utility infielder Josh Smith and minor-league right-hander Josh Stephan.

5. Lenyn Sosa (28 G, .188 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
The numbers are modest, but Sosa provided flexibility, depth and capable defense before being sidelined.

6. Daz Cameron (4 G, .308 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
Three games is hardly enough to evaluate a player, but Cameron's early impact has been impressive.

7. Chase Lee (7 G, 7.88 ERA, 1 SV)
The numbers will not wow anyone, but Lee's ability to shuttle between levels and provide fresh innings has been valuable.

8. Brendon Little (19 G, 8.50 ERA, 26 K)
Little has reinvented himself after a tough start to the season and a stint in Buffalo.

9. Patrick Corbin (19 G, 15 GS, 3-4, 5.51 ERA)
Corbin was not acquired to be an ace, he was acquired to provide innings and stability. He did exactly that before getting injured.

10. Joe Mantiply (17 G, 2.04 ERA, 16 K)
His time with the Jays before he landed on the IL was brief, but the veteran left-hander provided quality innings at a time when the team needed it. 

11. Simeon Woods Richardson (6 G, 2-0, 0.55 ERA)
When called upon, he has delivered.

12. Yariel Rodríguez (10 G, 7.71 ERA)
Injuries and control limited his opportunities. His stuff, when on, is still impressive.

13. Lázaro Estrada (8 G, 5.54 ERA, 1 Save)
Has shown potential and is an intriguing bullpen option.

14. Jonatan Clase (9 G, .273 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
Clase brought speed, energy and far more offense than many expected.

15. Paul Sewald (3 G, 3 IP, 3 K, 0.00 ERA)
A veteran reliever who might have found his groove again.

16. Eric Lauer (8 G, 6 GS, 1-5, 6.69 ERA)
The numbers were not as strong as last year, but Lauer covered 36 innings when the Jays needed them early in the season. His value came less from results and more from preventing the team from overextending other arms at the time. 

Trade return (Dodgers): Player to be named later or cash considerations.

17. Eloy Jiménez (12 G, .290 AVG, 3 RBI)
Wasn't able to translate a strong spring into a permanent fixture on the roster.

18. Sean Keys (12 G, .167 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI)
His cup of coffee included some glimmers of promise, but he clearly needs more time to adjust to the big leagues.

19. Josh Smith (14 G, .250 AVG, 2 HR, 3 RBI)
Smith is a left-handed utility player and looks capable of helping beyond this year.

20. Addison Barger (9 G, .045 AVG, 2 RBI)
Frustrating injury-filled season, but his inclusion in a group of players who have played less than 30 games is a reminder of the injuries that the team has weathered.

21. Ricky Tiedemann (1 G, 1.2 IP, 5.40 ERA)
Tiny sample, but he demonstrated that despite injuries, he still holds great potential.

22. Jameson Taillon (2 G, 8.0 IP, 3.38 ERA)
Limited action so far, but useful innings. Could be an important piece if the Blue Jays need additional rotational depth.

23. Chad Dallas (3 G, 8.22 ERA)
One rough outing against Houston inflated the numbers considerably. Still valuable developmental experience.

24. CJ Van Eyk (3 G, 4.76 ERA)
A positive comeback story given his battles with injuries.

25. Connor Seabold (5 G, 8.10 ERA)
Didn't quite pan out the way the Jays and Seabold had hoped.

26. Austin Voth (2 G, 9.00 ERA)
Filled a role during a difficult period of roster turnover.

27. Tanner Andrews (2 G, 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA)
Another example of organizational depth answering the call.

28. Matt Waldron (4 G, 10.38 ERA)
The results were mixed, and he has since been designated for assignment (claimed by the Nationals).

29. Hayden Juenger (2 G, 2.0 IP, 13.50 ERA)
Continued his progression through the organization despite unimpressive results so far.

30. Josh Fleming (1 G, 3.0 IP, 12.00 ERA)
Only one appearance.

Honourable Mention: Tyler Heineman (33 G, .154 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI) 
A respected clubhouse veteran who couldn't quite recapture the magic of 2025.

The 2026 Jays have survived because contributions have come from everywhere. Who knew the Jays had (or could find) this much depth? More importantly, who knew that depth would help steady the ship?

A never-say-die mentality only works when someone keeps stepping forward every time adversity strikes. This season has delivered plenty of adversity.

And yet, a collection of players with limited opportunities has contributed in ways both small and significant.

Some players on this list barely made an impact, but they filled a void when it was needed. That is why the Jays look a bit different this season, and why they may look different again next week.

In a season in which star power and familiar faces were supposed to drive success, it has been organizational depth that has carried Toronto through some of its most difficult moments. The Blue Jays' turnaround has not been built solely by their biggest names. It has been sustained by the players who answered the call when the organization needed them most, whether for a game, 30 games or somewhere in between.