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    Notes about the team are posted here.

    116 rumors in this category

      Leo Morgenstern

      When the Blue Jays designated Ali Sánchez for assignment on Tuesday, they were surely hoping he'd pass through waivers and eventually make his way back to their minor league system. Unfortunately, their division rivals in Boston put in a claim.

      Sánchez signed a minor league deal with Toronto in December. Over 54 games at Triple-A Buffalo, he hit .279 with a .766 OPS and 107 wRC+, perfectly acceptable numbers for a glove-first catcher. He also earned two call-ups to the big league squad, one in May and the other just last week.

      Out of options, Sánchez had to be DFA'd for the Blue Jays to remove him from their active roster. The first time they did so, he passed through waivers unclaimed, and after rejecting an outright assignment, he re-signed on a new minor league contract days later. This time, however, the Blue Jays weren't so lucky.

      Toronto has one of the best catching tandems in the game in All-Star Alejandro Kirk and shockingly productive backup Tyler Heineman. Still, the team clearly valued Sánchez as a depth piece, as demonstrated by the fact that they briefly kept him around as a third catcher on their 26-man roster when they were worried Heineman might have suffered a concussion.

      Now, the Jays no longer have Sánchez as an option should Kirk or Heineman miss time. Instead, veteran Christian Bethancourt or prospect Brandon Valenzuela is likely the next man up. Bethancourt, 33, has played in parts of eight big league seasons, while Valenzuela, acquired from the Padres at the trade deadline, has yet to make his MLB debut.

      The Jays have a little less depth without Sánchez, but they will hope not to need any catchers other than Kirk and Heineman down the stretch. If they do, it could be our first chance to see what Valenzuela can do in Blue Jays blue.

      Featured image courtesy of  Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that veteran reliever Chad Green has cleared waivers and been released. He is now a free agent.

      Green, 34, was designated for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the roster for trade acquisition Seranthony Domínguez. Any of the league's 29 other teams could have put in a claim for Green, but with approximately $3.15 million remaining on his contract this season, it's no surprise he cleared waivers. 

      The right-hander was one of the better relief pitchers in baseball during his years with the Yankees from 2016-22 (3.17 ERA in 383.2 IP), but he's never looked quite the same since his return from Tommy John surgery in 2023. In 2025, he's been one of the least effective relievers in the game. His 5.56 ERA is the fifth-highest among qualified AL bullpen arms, and no pitcher in MLB has given up more home runs than Green (14) out of the 'pen.

      Did the Blue Jays make the right call to part ways with Green? Should they have done it sooner? Have your say in the comments section below.

      Featured image courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images.

      Simon Li

      The Jays Centre number seven prospect, Kendry Rojas, has only pitched 36 2/3 innings since coming back from the injured list, and only 18 2/3 in Double-A New Hampshire. That was enough for the Blue Jays front office to give him the bump up to Buffalo, as Rojas has been almost unhittable, with a 3.86 ERA/1.86 FIP at Double-A with a 40% strikeout rate and only a 2.7% walk rate.

      After Rojas sat at 96 mph in the spring breakout game, people were hoping to see that the velocity gains were real. Rojas has consistently shown strong velocity with his fastballs, sitting at 95.5 mph in Low-A and 95 mph in Double-A. The extra velocity to his fastballs allows his secondaries to play up as hitters have less time to react to his slider and changeup. Rojas will be Rule-5 eligible after the end of this season, so he'll need to be added to the 40-man soon. If all goes well, he may push his way onto the major league roster for the playoffs when rosters expand. 

      Simon Li

      The Blue Jays have lacked international amateur free agents since the debut of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Still, this duo of teenage prospects may hopefully be a change in that, as they both made the Dominican Summer League All-Star Team.

      Catcher Franklin Rojas was ranked the 22nd prospect by FanGraphs after a successful 17-year-old campaign in the DSL. Still, he was even better as an 18-year-old, showing strong contact ability with a .298 batting average, in addition to a near 50% on-base percentage, walking 17.3% of the time with eight HBPs. Rojas also only stuck out only 13.6% of the time, although he only had two extra base hits. The teenager was given a contract worth slightly less than $1 million in the 2024 international amateur free agent class, as the Jays spread their pool after Kennew Blanco could not sign due to age-related issues.

      Infielder Juan Sanchez received the second-largest contract from the Jays' 2025 International Free Agency class, receiving just under $1 1-million himself. The 17-year-old (who turns 18 in September) slashed .316/.452/.513 for the Blue Jays second DSL-Red team, which was good for a 154 wRC+. Sanchez has flexed the power that got him ranked as one of the better prospects in the 2025 class, as he had five homers, six doubles, and a triple in just 146 plate appearances. 

      Bryan Jaeger

      The Blue Jays selected Tim Piasentin at #143 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Piasentin is a third baseman at Foothills Composite HS in Alberta, Canada. The slot value for the pick is $503,800. The Canadian was ranked 116th on our Jays Centre MLB Mock Draft Board.

      Here's what our write-up of Piasentin by our draft expert, Jamie Cameron:

      "Piasentin is a physical prep prospect out of Alberta with an imposing, 6'3, 205-pound frame. Piasentin put up one of the more impressive rounds of batting practice and the MLB Draft Combine, underscoring that power is the calling card of the offensive profile. There's some swing and miss in this profile, but that's not uncommon for a prep prospect for whom there's a coat of two of polish to apply.

      Defensively, it's a plus arm ideally suited to third base. He's not a great mover, and there's work to do on the actions in the infield. Still, with two-plus tools, there's a chance an org takes a chance on Piasentin in the first three rounds and pulls him away from his commitment to Miami."

      What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.

      Bryan Jaeger

      The Blue Jays selected Micah Bucknam at #112 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Bucknam is an RHP at Dallas Baptist (TX). The slot value for the pick is $680,800. 

      Here's what MLB.com says about Bucknam:

      "One of the best Canadian prospects in the 2022 Draft, Bucknam turned down the Blue Jays as a 16th-rounder to attend Louisiana State. He worked just 16 innings in two seasons in Baton Rouge because of command issues, enjoying more success in two summers in the Cape Cod League before transferring to Dallas Baptist. He became the Patriots' No. 1 starter and has some of the best feel for spin in the college ranks."

      Bucknam struggled at Louisiana State in 2023 and 2024, posting an 11.57 ERA over seven innings and a 7.00 ERA over nine innings, respectively. He transferred to Dallas Baptist this past spring and threw 62 1/3 innings, posting a 4.62 ERA with an 80:25 strikeout:walk ratio.

      The righty is still raw, but he has shown he can correct his command issues. He has a four-pitch arsenal that Bucknam will need to improve on, but his fastball ranges in the 92-96 mph range, and curveball, slider, and changeup hang around the low-mid 80s, so this swing and miss potential with his speed differences.

      What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.

      Simon Li

      According to Keegan Matheson from MLB.com, Khal Stephen is getting the call to New Hampshire after spinning a 1.49 ERA/2.80 FIP in nine starts and 48 1/3 IP. The second-rounder from Mississippi State has shown advanced command and walked just a little over 5% of the batters that he faced, utilizing a deep arsenal. 

      In addition to Khal Stephen receiving the call to Double-A, outfielder and Jays Centre's number 20 prospect, Victor Arias, is also being promoted to Double-A. The 21-year-old slashed .294/.381/.437 in 318 plate appearances.

      A couple of promising prospects are also being transferred from Dunedin to Vancouver, with Victoria, BC native Sam Shaw returning to his home province, and catcher Edward Duran also joining him. Both of these hitting prospects have been among the best hitters for Dunedin and have rightfully earned this promotion. This will also help clear some space for the incoming draft prospects of this year's draft. 

      Matthew Lenz

      It's been over 15 months since Alek Manoah has pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, but he is making small steps towards returning to the Rogers Centre mound.

      Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet is reporting that former Cy Young Award finalist will begin a rehab assignment on Monday, July 14th with the Blue Jays FCL affiliate.

      The timeline Zwelling notes in his tweet would see Manoah returning in the middle of August, at best. Roughly two weeks following Major League Baseball's trade deadline. While he'll be a welcome addition if he can make it back to the big-league pitching staff, it would be irresponsible for the Blue Jays front office to approach the deadline thinking they can rely on Manoah's return. Not only has it been over a year since he's pitched in a game, but it's been considerably longer since he has shown to be a productive pitcher.

      How do you think Manoah's impending return will impact the Blue Jays trade deadline plans, if at all? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

      Simon Li

      Right-hand reliever Ryan Burr pitched just two innings for the Jays' major league team before going back on the injured list. The righty didn't allow a run, struck out three batters, and sat 93.9 mph on his fastball during his short stint this season. Burr was projected to be one of the Jays' best relievers during preseason projections, and he also pitched to a 4.13 ERA/3.07 FIP in 2024 while accumulating 0.5 fWAR in 32 1/3 IP, so this is a blow to the depth charts for the Jays. Burr already went on the IL for a shoulder issue during spring training with shoulder tendinitis, so his going back on the IL for a right shoulder rotator cuff strain is also concerning.

      To replace him is 34-year-old right-hander Tommy Nance, who also pitched in the Jays' bullpen during the end of the season after being traded from the Padres for cash in a minor league trade. Nance pitched well enough, with a 4.09 ERA/3.98 FIP in 22 innings pitched, but was designated for assignment in spring training after not making the opening day roster. Nance has pitched 31 1/3 innings in Buffalo, where he has a 4.60 ERA, but a 2.63 FIP, striking out 31.3% of the batters he faced and only walking 5.2%. Nance will help shore up a bullpen that has had little rest recently, and with his two strong breaking balls, should be effective enough in middle relief. 

      Brock Beauchamp

      Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has earned yet another All‑Star starting nod as the American League’s first baseman, marking his fifth All‑Star selection and fourth time chosen as a starter, leading all AL first basemen in fan voting with just shy of 1.2 million votes. 

      Guerrero Jr. is hitting .278/.383/.446 with 12 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 54 runs scored across 85 games. Statcast metrics underline his elite contact: a 53.4% hard‑hit rate, .362 wOBA, and .415 xwOBA.

      Fresh off signing his new 14-year, $500 million contract in April, Guerrero Jr. will represent the Jays once again in the Midsummer Classic. The All-Star Game is scheduled on July 15 in Atlanta, Georgia.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Atlanta Braves are potential sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, though currently sit just six games back of a spot in the National League Wild Card race.

      Of the names that could be dealt, Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that designated hitter Marcell Ozuna "is included in a lot of trade speculation". With Anthony Santander's slow start and injured shoulder, the Toronto Blue Jays could benefit from adding Ozuna to their lineup.

      Currently, outfielder George Springer has been manning DH in Santander's absence. He's been very productive at the plate with an .820 OPS and 11 home runs, resulting in a 131 wRC+. While he no longer grades out as a plus outfielder, he could move back to the grass and provide serviceable defense with his glove to make room for at-bats from Ozuna. However, this could create a bit of a logjam if Santander does return.

      Money and prospect capital could be another hindrance to acquiring Ozuna, who has a 126 wRC+ this season. The Blue Jays currently have the fourth highest payroll in baseball and are only $7.5 million under the CBT threshold. While Ozuna is set to be a free agent at seasons end, he would be owed a prorated amount of his $16 million 2025 salary. Moreover, the Blue Jays have a weak farm system limiting the caliber of player(s) they could add at the upcoming deadline.

      Do you think the Blue Jays should kick the tires on Ozuna? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Robinson Piña of the Miami Marlins who will provide some depth - likely in a relief role, though he had the ability to start.

      Though he was recently DFA'd by the Marlins, Piña has been production as a starter for Triple-A Jacksonville. With the various injuries that have plagued the Blue Jays pitching staff, he'll be a versatile depth option when needed at the big-league level.

      In 13 appearances (11 starts), Piña has a 3.47 ERA, 3.73 FIP, and a 16% strikeout-minus-walk rate across 57 innings. Though he's been able to limit walks in 2025, command has traditionally been an issue for Piña capping his upside. If he can maintain that improvement, he could be a serviceable low- to medium- option out of the bullpen.

      This isn't a splashy move and the Blue Jays will need to bolster their 'pen for the playoff push. Who else should they target with trade deadline approaching? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Max Scherzer looked great in Wednesday's game at Triple-A Buffalo. Through 4 1/3 innings the Blue Jays starting pitcher struck out eight batters in 75 pitches, including striking out the side in the second inning.

      According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, "If he can still give the Blue Jays a thumbs up in the morning without wincing, he’s expected to make his next start in the big leagues..."

      It's a welcome sight for the Blue Jays who have dealt with a variety of injuries on their pitching staff.

      Scherzer looked great in his first two starts with the team before his thumb began giving him issues. 

      Matthew Lenz

      Earlier this week, the Milwaukee Brewers moved starter Aaron Civale to the bullpen in favor of top prospect Jacob Misiorowski.

      The move has prompted the 30-year-old right hander to request a trade from the Brewers in hopes of remaining a starter with another team, according to Ken, Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic.

      In five starts his season, Civale has a 4.29 ERA (4.30 FIP) and a mediocre 15.2% strikeout minus walk rate. He's been particularly susceptible to the long ball this season as he's given up five home runs across 22 innings pitched. Civale is making $8 million this season, which will be prorated based on his service time this season, and will be entering free agency at seasons end.

      He'd be a plenty serviceable arm for a Toronto Blue Jays rotation that has dealt with injuries this year, most notably to Max Scherzer.  For more information on Civale, check out this articles related to the news on our sister site, Brewer Fanatic.

      Do you think the Blue Jays should kick the tires on Civale? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Brock Beauchamp

      Blue Jays fans rejoice: oft-injured veteran starter Max Scherzer is throwing off a mound again and is well on the path to returning to a mound in Toronto.

      Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reported that Scherzer threw roughly half a simulated start in his next step to return to the Blue Jays. Scherzer injured his thumb in his first and only start on March 29 of the season.

      The Jays could use Scherzer's help to stabilize their rotation. Bowden Francis has an 18.00 ERA over his last two starts, going only five innings with four home runs allowed and seven walks.

      Matthew Lenz

      Baseball America has released their latest version of the Top 100 prospects in all of baseball. While the Toronto Blue Jays didn't have any players added to the list, they did have three players improve upon their previous rankings. Trey Yesavage jumped from #98 to #89, Ricky Tiedemann from #95 to #92, and Arjun Nimmala from #58 to #41.

      It's not noted how many prospects graduated from the May version of the rankings. 

      Yesavage has dominated Hi-A Vancouver in 10 starts posting a 2.17 ERA and a 34.4 K-BB rate. Nimmala is at the same level and experiencing similar success with a .902 OPS with nine home runs and five stolen bases. Tiedmann is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to come back sometime in 2025.

      When do you think Yesavage and/or Nimmala will be promoted to Double-A New Hampshire? Join the conversation in the comments!

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