Bryan Jaeger

Fresh off a World Series runner-up finish, the Blue Jays must aggressively address key weaknesses to return and win. Re-signing Bo Bichette is a notable question, alongside acquiring a back-end starting pitcher or reliever. While they can trade prospects, their MLB-ready outfield depth—young players with experience—could yield greater returns if used strategically. Nathan Lukes Lukes doesn't qualify as "young" because he's 31, but this past season was his third in MLB, though it was his first playing in more than 30 games. Due to injuries to Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander, Lukes was leaned on for a career year. In 438 plate appearances, the left-handed hitter had a .730 OPS, 12 home runs, 55 runs, 65 RBIs, and a 103 wRC+. Lukes found himself hitting in front of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for most of the season. His low strikeout rate (13 percent) led to him being a reliable option at the top of the lineup. Baseball Savant ranked Lukes in the 94th percentile for whiff percentage (14 percent). Defensively, Lukes was as outstanding with +10 DRS (defensive runs saved) in 909 1/3 innings. He only trailed Myles Straw for Blue Jays' outfielders in DRS, but Straw played 209 fewer innings. Lukes still has five years of team control, which, despite his age, would make him a popular target. Although he likely has the upper hand to start in left field next season for Toronto, as the roster stands now. Addison Barger Barger struggled in his MLB debut in 2024 (.601 OPS and 69 wRC+), but had a decent bounce-back in 2025 (.756 OPS and 107 wRC+). He had a significant power surge this past season, hitting 21 home runs, 61 runs, and 74 RBIs. Barger's biggest struggle is striking out, doing so 24 percent of the time. He spent time at the corner outfield positions and third base all season long, while filling in for injured players. His bat speed (75.9 mph) and hard-hit percentage (51 percent) rank him in the 93rd and 91st percentiles, respectively, which is appealing from the left side of the plate. Barger, at 26, has two pre-arbitration seasons remaining and one remaining MLB option. This favorable team control could help secure a top-tier talent at a position of need. It's likely a long shot that Barger gets traded unless the Blue Jays address the hot corner by adding another player. Davis Schneider Schneider has struggled to find consistent playing time in his three MLB seasons. His .708 OPS and 106 wRC+ this past season against left-handed pitchers are a little misleading, as he struggled mightily against lefties in 2024 (.528 OPS and 49 wRC+). As a righty, it won't help your case for playing time if you struggle against southpaws. Schneider could be a developmental piece for a team since he's 26, has two MLB options, and four seasons of team control. While he may not net a top-tier return like Lukes or Barger, trading him could still secure a back-of-the-rotation starting pitcher or a middle-inning bullpen arm, especially if his opportunities in the Blue Jays lineup remain limited. Joey Loperfido Loperfido came over in a trade at the 2024 trade deadline that sent Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros. Loperfido was relied on this season when both Varsho and Santander were on the injured list. The 26-year-old had only 104 plate appearances this past season, but he posted an .879 OPS and a 148 wRC+. Loperfido could appeal to teams seeking a controllable outfielder. Including him in a trade—either as a primary piece or as part of a larger package—could help the Blue Jays acquire a higher-impact player to meet their pitching or positional needs. Trading a valuable outfielder could help the Blue Jays address primary pitching needs, but it risks future depth if injuries hit Varsho or Santander again. The potential reward—a quality starter or reliever for another title run—must be weighed against thinning a traditionally strong position. View full article

The Blue Jays had several top prospects eligible for protection from the Rule 5 draft, which is coming up on December 10. Still, they only added one – left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann (Jays Centre's No. 5 prospect) – to the 40-man roster before Tuesday's deadline. This was surprising, as I also expected No. 11 prospect Josh Kasevich to be protected as a possible Bo Bichette replacement, though his lack of power is a concern. Tiedemann was almost certain to be protected, given his strong performance when healthy. In his 2022 minor league debut, he posted a 2.17 ERA across three levels, with a 117:29 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 78 2/3 innings. He held opponents to a .149 average with a 2.51 FIP. Although he regressed on the surface in 2023, he still recorded a 3.68 ERA and an 82:23 strikeout-to-walk ratio in only 44 innings (due to a biceps injury). His 1.68 FIP was highly impressive, especially considering he pitched most of his innings at Double A. Tiedemann continued to deal with injuries in early 2024. In July, he was removed from a game and subsequently required Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season and all of 2025. This lack of experience could impact whether the 23-year-old will pitch in the Blue Jays' big league camp during spring training. Tiedemann's pitching arsenal contains a mid-90s fastball, a changeup, and a slider. His deceptive low arm slot helps him rack up strikeouts, exciting Blue Jays fans. However, he relies heavily on his fastball-slider combo and will need to develop additional pitches or improve his changeup. Major league hitters may capitalize if he only depends on two pitches he can command. The Blue Jays will likely ease Tiedemann in next season, meaning he may not make the Opening Day roster. With Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Shane Bieber set to return to the rotation, the team can afford to be patient when it comes to Tiedemann's MLB debut. If those four stay healthy, the Blue Jays may use Eric Lauer as their fifth starter, allowing Tiedemann to ease into the season. This could lead to a scenario that mirrors Yesavage's rookie season; the 2024 first-round pick debuted in mid-September and delivered clutch postseason outings, including seven one-run innings with 12 strikeouts in Game 5 of the World Series, helping the Blue Jays take a 3-2 series lead. Regardless of when it happens, Blue Jays fans should expect to see Tiedemann take the mound for the major league team at some point next season. View full article

With December's Winter Meetings approaching, free agency rumors around the Blue Jays are intensifying. The central question is whether Bo Bichette will be re-signed. If he doesn't return, a significant void arises in the batting order, and urgent solutions will be needed. Jeff Passan of ESPN reports the Blue Jays want a left-handed hitter to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Tucker have been suggested, but they are widely sought after, and each could earn about $34–36 million annually. The Blue Jays may look at less expensive options after losing out on top talent in recent offseasons, including Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Juan Soto. Passan now links the Blue Jays to Cody Bellinger as a more affordable option than Schwarber or Tucker. DiamondCentric projects a six-year, $130 million contract for Bellinger. Last season with the New York Yankees, he hit .272/.334/.480 with 89 runs, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, an .814 OPS, and a 125 wRC+. He can play any outfield position or first base, though the team values Guerrero's glove at first. George Springer will likely remain the primary designated hitter to stay healthy. The Blue Jays' outfield is crowded with Nathan Lukes, Daulton Varsho, and Anthony Santander returning. However, with Varsho's and Santander's injury histories, a healthier option would be a smart addition, and Lukes can come off the bench. Bellinger has played at least 130 games in each of the last four seasons. As the World Series showed, the Blue Jays need more offense, and if Bichette doesn't return, Bellinger could fill the resulting production gap. Featured image courtesy of Brad Penner, Imagn Images. View full rumor

The Blue Jays' number five prospect, Ricky Tiedemann, was Rule 5 eligible and was headed for the Rule 5 draft on December 10. However, the Blue Jays protected him by adding him to the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old had impressive first two MLB seasons, posting a 2.17 ERA over 78 2/3 innings in 2022 and a 3.68 ERA over 44 innings in 2023. He missed most of the 2023 season due to a biceps injury. He was still dealing with the injury at the start of the 2024 season. In July, he left a game due to another injury and subsequently required Tommy John surgery. This surgery caused him to miss the remainder of 2024 and the entire 2025 season while recovering. Being added to the 40-man roster shows the Blue Jays have MLB plans for Tiedemann next season. The team could use a fifth starter instead of Eric Lauer, and Tiedemann could take his spot as the lefty in the rotation. If the prospect can replicate his early success in spring training next season, he could make the Opening Day roster. This decision will also depend on the Blue Jays' offseason moves. Tiedemann could also be a late-season call-up, following the Trey Yesavage path, and join for the postseason run if needed. View full rumor

The Arizona Fall League has concluded, and the Toronto Blue Jays had several representatives who participated in the campaign. The league has six teams, and every MLB team sends at least seven top prospects to its affiliated club. The Blue Jays' prospects played for the Glendale Desert Dogs, who finished 11-16 and were eliminated during the play-in round of the playoffs. The AFL is, unofficially, the culmination of the minor league season, allowing teams to assess how their prospects perform against high-level competition. Thirty-three of the 80 players in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game once played in the AFL, with 10 of the 20 players in the starting lineups among them. Here's how the Blue Jays' prospects performed this year. *All prospect rankings from Jays Centre and MLB Pipeline Josh Kasevich - SS (JC No. 11, MLB Pipeline No. 12 prospect) Kasevich finished the 2024 season in Triple-A Buffalo, hitting .325/.382/.433 with a .815 OPS in 173 plate appearances for the affiliate. He likely held hopes of an MLB in 2025, but he aggravated a preexisting lower back injury, causing him to miss a majority of the season. His rehab stints in the rookie and Single-A affiliates were successful, as he hit a combined .368/.478/.395 with an .873 OPS. Yet, after being activated from the 60-day injury list on August 15, Kasevich struggled in his Triple-A Buffalo return, slashing .173/.272/.184 with a .456 OPS in 114 plate appearances. The Jays Centre No. 11 prospect performed slightly better in the AFL, where he hit .255/.419/.255 with a .674 OPS and drew 17 walks compared to 11 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. His .327 weighted on-base average (wOBA), an advanced metric that measures a hitter's total offensive value, ranked in the 36th percentile among all hitters in the AFL, meaning it was lower than that of most players in the league. Despite a 92.4 mph average exit velocity — ranked in the 80th percentile, indicating above-average power off the bat — his strength and discipline at the plate have not yet translated to home run power. Kasevich is eligible for this winter's Rule 5 draft, which means that to protect him, the Blue Jays would need to add him to the 40-man roster. His injury likely complicates that decision and will presumably keep him off the roster. Even though his in-game power production is low, his on-base and defensive skills at a prime position could increase his chances of being selected by another team. That said, if he doesn't get selected and the Blue Jays don't re-sign Bo Bichette this offseason, Kasevich may have a shot at making his MLB debut in 2026. Cutter Coffey - 3B (MLB Pipeline No. 27 prospect) Coffey came over in the trade package that sent Danny Jansen to the Boston Red Sox at the 2024 trade deadline. He struggled with High-A Vancouver after the trade, hitting .185/.309/.272 with a .581 OPS. He spent this season still in High-A, but had far more success (.273/.359/.427 with .786 OPS). His 11 home runs, 68 runs, and 62 knocked in over 440 plate appearances earned him the Canadians' Offensive Player of the Year Award. Coffey has drawn comparisons to a right-handed Addison Barger from within the organization. The 21-year-old was one of the top performers in the AFL. He slashed .354/.447/.462 with a .909 OPS and a .404 wOBA. This wOBA placed him in the 77th percentile among AFL players (meaning he performed better than 77% of them). However, his .108 isolated power (ISO, a measure of raw power) was slightly below average, at the 43rd percentile, and his 86.5 mph average exit velocity (23rd percentile) was among the lowest in the AFL. He's not eligible for the Rule 5 draft until the 2026 offseason, which means he will continue to develop his skills in the minors. He doesn't need to be added to the 40-man roster until next winter. With his success this season in High A, Coffey may start next season with Double-A New Hampshire. Edward Duran - C (MLB Pipeline No. 13 prospect) Duran came over at the 2022 trade deadline in a package that also included Anthony Bass and Zach Pop, which the Blue Jays received in exchange for sending Jordan Groshans to the Miami Marlins. His skill set is described as that of a defense-first catcher and a contact hitter. Over his five minor league seasons, he has never hit more than eight home runs, which he achieved this season across a combined 431 plate appearances in Single and High A. Duran struggled in the AFL, hitting .152/.263/.394 with a .657 OPS over 38 plate appearances. His .242 isolated power (ISO) ranked in the 87th percentile among AFL hitters, higher than that of any of his fellow Blue Jays prospects. However, the catcher's .286 wOBA (26th percentile) and his 83.5 mph average exit velocity (20th percentile) ranked among the lowest in the league, underscoring his offensive struggles compared to his peers. Duran is Rule 5 eligible this winter, but it's unlikely that he will be protected (by being added to the 40-man roster) or selected in the draft. Alex Amalfi - RHP Amalfi spent his first three seasons in the minor leagues in Single-A and High-A affiliates, where he started five of the 64 games he pitched in. He continued in the bullpen this season with Double-A New Hampshire before getting moved to the starting rotation in August. He posted a combined 4.41 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and a 100:47 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 87 2/3 innings, but he was slightly more successful as a starter, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 11 starts. The right-hander was likely sent to the AFL to get more starts against tougher competition, but he struggled in his five AFL outings, posting a 9.95 ERA, 2.37 WHIP, and allowing batters to hit .321 off of him. His 8.8 percent strikeout percentage, which ranked in the fifth percentile, and 19.1 percent walk percentage (27th percentile) ranked among the worst marks in the league, indicating below-average strikeout ability and worse-than-average control compared to his peers. Amalfi is Rule 5 eligible this winter, but his lack of recent success will likely keep him from being selected. Angel Bastardo - RHP (MLB Pipeline No. 29 prospect) Bastardo, a Rule 5 draft pick by the Blue Jays in 2024, missed 2025 after Tommy John surgery. Before his injury, he posted a 4.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and a 357:145 strikeout-to-walk ratio over five minor league seasons. Though added to the AFL roster to get some work this year, he did not pitch. Due to his Rule 5 status and time on the injured list, he must be active for the Jays for at least 90 days in 2026 or be offered back to the Red Sox. Kai Peterson - LHP Peterson has only played two minor league seasons, but he excelled this year. In High A, he had a 2.74 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 42 23/3 innings in relief. He earned a promotion to Double A on August 14. However, his success didn't translate. He only threw 7 2/3 innings, but had a 4.70 ERA and 2.09 WHIP. His addition to the AFL roster was likely to provide him with more experience against tougher competition. The 23-year-old continued to struggle in the AFL. He threw 7 1/3 innings, posting a 7.59 ERA and 2.18 WHIP, allowing batters to hit .276 off of him. Peterson struggled with control, walking eight batters. He is considered an off-speed pitcher, primarily throwing a changeup, slider, and sinker; however, his maximum velocity of 93.3 mph (14th percentile) was one of the slowest in the AFL. He becomes Rule 5 eligible after the 2026 season, so the Blue Jays have another season to evaluate their young lefty. Yondrei Rojas - RHP Rojas struggled from 2022 through 2024 at the rookie level and in Single A. He never posted an ERA under 4.30. However, he flipped a switch this season and was outstanding. He had his best season as a minor leaguer in 2025 while in High A and Double A. The righty posted a 1.43 ERA combined between the two levels across 37 2/3 innings with a 0.88 WHIP, a 47:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and a .167 opponents’ batting average. Rojas became one of the Blue Jays' more notable pitching prospects during the season. However, in his first time facing tougher competition in the AFL, Rojas struggled. He pitched 2 1/3 innings, posting a 30.86 ERA with a 2:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 3.00 WHIP, allowing hitters to bat .385 off him. The righty is Rule 5 eligible and would have likely been added to the 40-man roster to be protected if it weren’t for his poor AFL performance. His dominant minor league stats may still appeal to teams, but his AFL struggles provide essential context for his (lack of) readiness. Chay Yeager - RHP Yeager thrived in High A this season, posting a 1.77 ERA with a 43:13 strikeout-to-walk ratio while holding batters to a .126 average against him over 35 2/3 innings. His promotion to Double A was less successful, as he posted a 4.50 ERA and was hit harder, allowing a .269 batting average against him. However, he still maintained an impressive 21:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His struggles carried over to the AFL, where he has posted a 9.00 ERA over nine innings. His control was an issue, as shown by his 7:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and he allowed three home runs. His strikeout rate (22nd percentile) and walk rate (45th percentile, about league average) were on the lower end of the league ranks. However, his 98.1 mph max velocity ranked among the fastest in the AFL. He becomes Rule 5 eligible after the 2026 season. View full article

Shane Bieber's decision to opt in for the 2026 season with the Toronto Blue Jays strengthens the starting rotation. He'll rejoin Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos, although Berríos's 2026 status remains uncertain. The righty missed the postseason after being shut down in September due to an elbow issue, leaving his availability for next year's Opening Day in question. If Berríos will be sidelined at the start, the Blue Jays absolutely need to find a free agent arm. But if he's healthy, could Eric Lauer, Bowden Francis, or Easton Lucas fit as the fifth starter? Lauer spent 2024 in the Korea Baseball Organization but returned to MLB this past season. The Blue Jays relied on him heavily, especially after Francis struggled and sustained a shoulder injury. Lauer pitched in 28 games (15 starts), with a 9-2 record, a 3.18 ERA, and a 102:26 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The lefty began the season as a long reliever before moving into the starting rotation to fill the gap left by Francis. This move placed a heavier burden on Brendon Little, who saw his workload jump to a career-high 79 games as the bullpen's sole reliable left-hander. Mason Fluharty and Justin Bruihl stepped in as extra left-handed bullpen arms during the regular season, but struggled. Fluharty had a 4.44 ERA in 52 2/3 innings, though he rebounded with 5 1/3 scoreless September innings before struggling again in October. Bruihl posted a 5.27 ERA in 13 2/3 regular season innings and gave up another two runs in one outing in the playoffs. Currently, FanGraphs has Lauer as the fifth starter. If Fluharty continues to struggle, will the Blue Jays risk another career-high workload for Little, or return Lauer to the bullpen and hope for a bounce-back from Francis or Lucas? Francis excelled in his 2023 debut (excluding his 2/3 innings in 2022). He pitched 36 1/3 innings out of the bullpen, posted a 1.73 ERA, and tallied a 35:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In 2024, he added another impressive campaign, posting a 3.30 ERA over 103 2/3 innings and recording a 92:22 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He started his last 10 appearances of the season, producing a 2.92 ERA in 77 innings and holding opponents to a .166 average as a starter. The Blue Jays rode this success into 2025, but Francis struggled. He posted a 6.05 ERA over 64 innings. Control caused significant issues for the 29-year-old, who produced a 54:27 strikeout-to-walk ratio and surrendered 19 home runs. Opponents hit .283 off him. The team placed Francis on the injured list on June 17 with a right shoulder impingement, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Lucas, with only 42 2/3 MLB innings and an 8.02 ERA over three years, must impress in spring training to make the 26-man roster. So, the Blue Jays' best option could be to test Francis in spring training, evaluating the impact of his past shoulder injury. If Francis rebounds, Lauer can remain in the bullpen, where he posted a 1.76 ERA over 30 2/3 innings in 2025. This roster alignment would support both rotation stability and bullpen depth. View full article

After their heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason has already started exceptionally well. Their starting rotation had three strong pitchers returning: Kevin Gausman, rookie sensation Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos. On the back end, RosterResource had Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis projected to finish out the rotation. This projected rotation made finding at least a back-end starter a priority. However, the team received great news on Tuesday night. Shane Bieber elected to stay in Toronto for another season by opting in to his $16 million player option. If Bieber had opted out, he'd have received a $4 million buyout. This decision gives the Blue Jays a one-time ace, who pitched well in his short 2025 season. The righty made his debut this year on August 22 due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he went for after only two starts in 2024. Bieber made seven regular season starts in 2025, posting a 3.57 ERA and 37 strikeouts over 40 1/3 innings. In the playoffs, he pitched in five games (one in relief), posting a 3.86 ERA and striking out 18 over 18 2/3 innings. These outings included a pivotal Game 3 start in the ALCS, when the Blue Jays were down 0-2 in the series. He gave up a two-run home run to Julio Rodríguez in the top of the first. Then, over the next five innings, he allowed only two hits and zero runs, helping the Blue Jays secure a win to get back into the series. Unfortunately, what fans will best remember is the Game 7, 11th-inning home run he gave up to Will Smith in relief during the World Series. That home run proved to be the series-winner for the Dodgers. This arrangement could prove to be perfect for both sides. The 30-year-old Bieber could have earned more by opting out. However, he would have likely secured a short two- or three-year deal, given the uncertainty of how he would perform over an entire season. This season is essentially a prove-yourself year for him to secure a longer deal next offseason. He also ensures peace of mind, knowing the Blue Jays don't need him to perform at top-tier ace status. The team only needs him to be a quality mid-rotation starter. For the Blue Jays, it means adding a former Cy Young Award winner (2020) on a short-term, discounted deal. With Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer heading to free agency, Bieber's return allows the club to focus more on other needs over the winter. This will, however, hinge on Berríos's availability at the start of 2026, as he was shut down in September and missed the postseason with an elbow injury. There has been no update on his status as of yet. If his injury forces him to miss time at the beginning of next season, then the Blue Jays will need to revisit their plan of pursuing a difference-making starting pitcher. In addition to Lauer and Francis being fits for the back end of the rotation, the Jays also have Easton Lucas as an option. However, if Berríos misses time, the Blue Jays will need more starting depth. The team has the luxury this offseason of not needing to add too many pieces to contend for another World Series trip next season. They will return all but one player from their optimal offensive starting lineup if their players stay healthy during the offseason. Another bullpen arm would be nice, but most of the questions this offseason will revolve around whether the Blue Jays decide to re-sign Bo Bichette. View full article

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been outstanding this postseason, allowing no more than one earned run in three of his four outings. In his last two, Game 2 of the NLCS and Game 2 of the World Series, he threw a one-run complete game both times, with a combined total of just one walk and one home run allowed. Against Milwaukee, he allowed three hits and struck out seven; against Toronto, he allowed four hits and struck out eight. Yamamoto had a 2.49 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in the regular season. So, if the Blue Jays want to win their first World Series since 1993 tonight, they must solve a problem few teams have figured out. This team has persevered despite injuries, slumps, and inexperienced players all season, so we know the Jays have the determination to give Yamamoto a challenging game. To get Yamamoto out early, the Blue Jays should focus on extending at-bats and working deep into counts. In Game 2, Yamamoto retired his last 20 hitters in a row by mixing pitches and staying efficient. Notably, Blue Jays hitters reached base early in the first inning but failed to capitalize, striking out twice and lining out to end the frame. Yamamoto relied on his splitter and curveball, using the curve to finish four of eight strikeouts and the splitter for six of 17 whiffs. If the Jays are patient and selective, that may cause him to throw more pitches and make some mistakes. Game 2 was Yamamoto's first career start versus Toronto. Facing a team for a second time, especially days later, is difficult for any pitcher. The Blue Jays should try to show a little more discipline at the plate, as their 8.3% walk rate in the playoffs is on the lower end. With the World Series at stake, manager Dave Roberts may go to his bullpen more quickly if the Blue Jays can get to Yamamoto and score early. In Game 5, the Blue Jays opened with consecutive home runs by Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (the first time in World Series history that has happened to start a game). Despite Snell's 1.17 home ERA, Toronto managed five runs against him, earning four walks and getting six hits. A few runs may be all the Blue Jays need to win against Yamamoto because the Dodgers' offense has struggled. In their three losses in the series, they scored a combined seven runs (four were in Game 1). The Dodgers attempted to shake up their lineup in Game 5 by replacing struggling Andy Pages, dropping Mookie Betts from the two-hole to the three, and moving Will Smith up to second. That move led to only four hits and 15 strikeouts (everyone in the lineup struck out at least once). For the Blue Jays to win the Commissioner's Trophy and avoid a Game 7, they must focus on breaking through against Yamamoto early and then attacking a vulnerable Dodgers bullpen. While Yamamoto has dominated all year, the Blue Jays' resilience and offensive discipline could be the key to finally solving one of baseball's toughest challenges — and clinching a historic championship. View full article

Chris Bassitt has had an up-and-down season. After producing a 2.62 ERA through April, he struggled to a 5.25 ERA in May and June. From July onward, he posted a 3.55 ERA in 76 innings. However, his momentum was halted on September 20, when a lower back injury placed him on the 15-day IL, causing him to miss the end of the regular season and the ALDS. Upon returning for the ALCS, Bassitt shifted into a relief role, in which he has excelled. He delivered 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings against the Mariners and has since become a go-to reliever in the World Series, throwing four scoreless innings across three games against the Dodgers, with just one hit allowed and six strikeouts. His performance is all the more impressive considering he is reportedly pitching through a minor "cut/blister" (per Sportnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith). Not only has Bassitt seen great results, but his velocity has also notably increased. While he averaged around 91.5 mph on both his four-seam fastball and sinker during the regular season, he has averaged around 93 mph on both pitches in the playoffs. It was especially remarkable to see him largely maintain his velocity in Game 4 — the first time in his career he has pitched two days in a row. Bassitt's unexpected dominance out of the bullpen, despite limited prior experience in relief, positions him as a postseason revelation. This performance should also boost his appeal as a free agent, showing teams his versatility and resilience in high-pressure spots. He will be a popular name this offseason for any pitching-needy teams and will likely earn a sizeable contract despite turning 37 before spring training. Bassitt has made his mark this postseason and looks set to be a key relief option for the remainder of the series. As manager John Schneider considers his bullpen plan for the two or three remaining games, Louis Varland — who led the team in appearances in the ALDS and the ALCS, throwing 11 innings across the two series — may now have competition, with Bassitt emerging as another arm for high-leverage situations. View full article

Eugenio Suárez had been quiet this series, but he turned that around and had a career game on Friday night. The third baseman was 4-for-16 in the first four games with only one run knocked in. In Game 5, he hit a solo home run in the second inning, his first since Game 3 of the ALDS, to give the Mariners an early 1-0 lead. The Blue Jays would claw back and take a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the eighth, where everything fell apart. Momentum shifted as the Mariners scored five runs off a Cal Raleigh solo moonshot followed by Suárez's second home run of the game — this one a soul-crushing grand slam off Seranthony Domínguez. The Mariners now hold a 3-2 series lead with the series headed back to Toronto for Games 6 and 7, and a return home is less comforting for fans than they might have hoped. The Toronto Blue Jays were a force at home during the regular season, with a 54-27 record. However, the Mariners took both Games 1 and 2 at the Rogers Centre in convincing fashion. The scores were 3-1 and 10-3, as the Blue Jays' offense struggled against the Mariners' pitching staff. In Game 1, Bryce Miller gave up a first-pitch homer to George Springer but then settled in, going six innings with two hits, one run, three walks, and three strikeouts. In Game 2, although the Blue Jays knocked Logan Gilbert out after three innings and three earned runs, those were their only runs, as the Mariners' bullpen delivered six scoreless innings. Following their struggles at home, the Blue Jays' offense came alive at T-Mobile Park, as they won Games 3 and 4 by scores of 13-4 and 8-2, respectively. Trey Yesavage has been named the starter for Game 6 against Gilbert. Yesavage struggled to control his splitter in Game 2, and the Mariners' discipline didn't help. They followed the "if it's low, let it go" mentality and crushed Yesavage's mistakes. That included Julio Rodriguez hitting a first-inning three-run home run. Yesavage will have a short leash tonight. We may see Chris Bassitt follow Yesavage if the rookie can't go at least five innings and turn the game over to the higher-leverage arms in the bullpen. After being left off the ALDS roster due to a lingering lower back injury, Bassist threw 1 2/3 hitless innings in Game 2 with two strikeouts. However, Eric Lauer has thrown only one inning in the series, which came in Game 2. So, either could be a good long-relief option if Yesavage struggles early. By and large, the Mariners have hit the Blue Jays' bullpen well. Bassitt, Lauer, and Jeff Hoffman are the only relievers who have yet to allow an earned run in the series. The bullpen has also allowed six home runs and 10 walks. Yariel Rodríguez has only retired three batters but gave up two home runs and walked three in two appearances, in Games 2 and 3. If the Blue Jays' offense can get to Gilbert early, they will need to attack Seattle's relievers as they did in Games 3 and 4, when they scored 10 runs and hit three home runs. However, in their three losses, the Blue Jays only managed one run in 14 bullpen innings, indicating the challenge ahead. The good news is that if the Blue Jays can win Game 6 tonight, they'll face George Kirby tomorrow, whom they scored eight runs against over four innings in Game 3. In that case, Toronto would throw Shane Bieber in Game 7. He was phenomenal in Game 3, going six innings with four hits, two earned runs (off a Rodríguez two-run first-inning home run), and eight strikeouts. The Blue Jays need to figure out a way to reach Game 7, where the pieces are laid out more in their favor. View full article

The Toronto Blue Jays ended the season as AL East champions for the first time since 2015, securing the league's top seed. They earned a bye through the Wild Card round and await either the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Success required contributions from many, but some hitters truly stood out. Here's an overview of this year's key offensive performers. Honorable Mentions Alejandro Kirk - .282/.348/.421 with 15 home runs, 45 runs, 76 RBIs, and 111 wRC+ Kirk had a career season in 2025, setting personal highs in home runs and RBIs. He played in 130 games and was one of the most consistent catchers both in the field and at the plate, tying his career high fWAR (4.3). In the final regular-season game, he contributed significantly to clinching the AL East, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs. Kirk was consistent at the plate all season long. With men in scoring position, he had 145 plate appearances, hitting .311/.379/.410 with a .789 OPS and a 119 wRC+, producing 54 RBIs. Kirk has shown why he deserved the extension he signed in March. Addison Barger - .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 61 runs, 74 RBIs, and 104 wRC+ Barger's second MLB season was a roller coaster. His production fluctuated by month, but he struggled in the second half, slashing .218/.280/.374 with a .655 OPS and an 81 wRC+. Despite these challenges, Barger was depended on consistently, as early injuries to Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander required the 25-year-old to blossom sooner than expected. The future is bright for Barger, but more consistent production throughout the season will be needed. Daulton Varsho - .238/.284/.548 with 20 home runs, 43 runs, 55 RBIs, and a 123 wRC+ Varsho is on the honorable mention list because of how amazing this season could have been if he hadn't had injury issues. He had seven fewer home runs than his career high (27) in 2022, despite having 283 fewer plate appearances. If Varsho could have played a full season, then we likely would have seen a massive campaign from the 29-year-old. He started the year on the injury list, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He then returned on April 29 before landing back on the injured list on May 31 with a hamstring injury. After missing two months, he returned on August 1. Following his return, he slashed .256/.310/.551 with 12 home runs, 29 runs, 35 knocked in, an .861 OPS, and a 134 wRC+. Varsho has one year of arbitration left before free agency, but other contracts may be a higher priority for the Blue Jays this offseason. #3 Bo Bichette - .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 78 runs, 94 RBIs, and a 134 wRC+ Bichette has been the focus of extension talks throughout the season. Despite speculation about his future, the shortstop delivered one of his most productive years, setting a career high in doubles (44) and almost matching his RBI total from 2021 (94). His home run power dipped, but he improved at getting on base. His batting average tied the career high he set in his rookie campaign (2019), while his on-base percentage slightly trailed his OBP from the same season (.358). Bichette has been out since suffering a knee sprain on September 6. Before the AL East clinching win, manager John Schneider said the shortstop was hitting in the cage and doing soft toss and tee work, but no timetable has been given. It's possible he returns as a designated hitter to mitigate the strain on his knee, which could allow for a stronger infield defense, whether it's Ernie Clement or Andrés Giménez playing shortstop. #2 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - .292/.381/.467, with 23 home runs, 96 runs, 84 RBIs, and a 137 wRC+ Guerrero faced questions about his contract status early in the season, which may have contributed to his slow start at the plate. He signed a significant extension (14 years, $500 million) on April 7, but he didn't hit his first home run until his 18th game on April 16. The face of the franchise produced his lowest home run and RBI numbers since the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but recorded his second-most walks and fewest strikeouts. He also performed well with runners in scoring position, slashing .307/.429/.486 with a .915 OPS, 149 wRC+, and driving in 58 runs. Only four of his home runs came in these situations. The outlook remains bright for Guerrero and the Blue Jays. #1 George Springer - .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs, 106 runs, 84 RBIs, and a 166 wRC+ The biggest surprise this season came from Springer. While his offensive production had been declining for years, the 36-year-old set career highs in batting average and wRC+. He also had his best home run, RBI, and fWAR (5.2) numbers since his 2019 Silver Slugger season with the Houston Astros. Springer peaked during the second half as the Blue Jays competed for the AL East title, slashing .369/.454/.667 with a 1.121 OPS and 210 wRC+. Springer also set two franchise records this season. On September 2, he hit his 23rd leadoff home run over his five seasons with the Blue Jays, passing Devon White's 22 that he hit over five seasons (1991-1995). Then on September 25, Springer hit his 31st home run of the season, which broke a franchise single-season record for home runs by a player 35 or older. This record was previously held by Blue Jays' legend Joe Carter, who hit 30 home runs in 1996 in his age-36 season. Springer is under contract through 2026, but given his age, he may not be a long-term option. Next season's production will determine if he returns in 2027 on a short-term contract or becomes a free agent. View full article

Blue Jays fans were excited about the trade acquisition of Louis Varland. He brought a 2.02 ERA over 49 innings, 17 holds, and a 47:21 strikeout-to-walk ratio to Toronto's bullpen. The 27-year-old started his Jays tenure strong, allowing one earned run and only four hits over his first six outings. However, a rough mid-August stretch has left the team with many questions about their once-hyped trade acquisition as the postseason approaches. Starting August 15, Varland went six straight outings with at least one earned run allowed, and his September hasn't been much better. Through 8 2/3 innings, the righty has a 5.19 ERA, a 9:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and has allowed batters to hit .281 off of him. These struggles have pushed him further down the bullpen depth chart with the Blue Jays fighting to hold onto their AL East lead. He did not pitch from September 16-22, which is highly unusual for a relief pitcher, as they are usually utilized every couple of games. He finally pitched 1 1/3 innings on September 23, but the Blue Jays were down three runs when Varland entered. In an MLB.com interview at the end of August, manager John Schneider addressed Varland's struggles. "He has the ability to [succeed], and he's done that before. The last thing you want when you acquire a guy is to go, 'Why aren't you doing what you did before you got here?' It comes down to where he's throwing his fastball. Hitters are geared to hit velocity. You have to put it in the right spot." At the time, Schneider was still anticipating gearing Varland up for high-leverage situations in the postseason. So, Varland's lack of usage in the past two weeks is surprising. All the more surprising is the news that Varland will open a bullpen game this evening. The Blue Jays bullpen has had a roller coaster of a season, although some relievers have seen an improved September, and that's part of the reason Varland hasn't been needed as often. Braydon Fisher has been a major unexpected producer. He's bounced between Triple-A Buffalo and Toronto a few times this season, but the rookie has excelled since being recalled on September 5. Fisher had a 3.03 ERA through August, although that number was heavily skewed by a June in which he threw 13 1/3 innings and allowed zero earned runs. Since his recall, he's posted a 0.93 ERA and is holding batters to a .100 batting average against him. The only flaw in the righty's game has been the six walks he's given up in the month. Fisher has made a case for being on the postseason roster, which means Varland's spot could be determined by how the Blue Jays handle José Berríos, Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer. Berríos and Lauer have solid full-season numbers, but each has had a rough second half. Berríos pitched to a 3.75 ERA, a 97:41 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and held batters to a .238 batting average in the first half. Included in this was a 1.97 ERA in June. However, the 31-year-old has struggled mightily since July, posting a 5.15 ERA in the second half of the season. The veteran starter has since been relegated to the bullpen, despite his displeasure with the move, saying, "Honestly, I don't feel happy to talk about it" (per Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling). Berríos had not pitched since September 16 before he took the mound yesterday and gave up three runs in two frames of relief. All of this may be a sign that he won't make the postseason roster. In addition, with the emergence of Yesavage, Berríos may become an offseason trade candidate. Lauer had a stellar first half, earning a starting role due to Bowden Francis's injury. In this span, the lefty posted a 2.78 ERA, a 58:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and held batters to a .204 batting average. Since then, Lauer has posted a 3.97 ERA. His 41:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio is still impressive, but his batting average against has risen to .269. His struggles were particularly pronounced in August (5.30 ERA in four starts) before he moved to the bullpen in September. He has since produced a 4.70 ERA but an 8:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in seven appearances. Whether or not Lauer makes the postseason roster will likely depend on the number of left-handed batters Toronto's opponent has. If the opposition only has a couple of lefties or fewer, then Brendon Little may be the only left-handed pitcher to make the roster. Yesavage made his highly anticipated debut on September 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He struck out nine and allowed one earned run on three hits. His second outing wasn't as stellar. Against the Kansas City Royals, the rookie allowed four earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts and three walks. He has one last chance to impress, as he is projected to throw on Saturday against the Rays again. Fellow Jays Centre writer Jesse Burrill recently predicted that Varland would make the postseason roster, but Berríos, Yesavage, and Lauer have each presented a strong case at times throughout the season. It's going to be a tough decision for the Blue Jays to make regarding the final bullpen spot, only further complicated by the fact that Yesavage could earn a starting role, bumping Max Scherzer or Chris Bassitt to the bullpen or off the roster. If Varland does make the postseason roster, don't expect any appearances in tight situations. He'll likely only be seen if there's a few runs difference between the teams. View full article