Jays 2026 Thread

[FortressMaximus]

You're exactly right.

We're close to having a true contender...and I think last year was a bit of an outlier, certainly a surprise but there's lots to build on and much to be happy about. Cease could put us over the top.

 

[Toronto Passions]

You're not wrong Philip. He's a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde type player. Sure he misses a lot of bats but he also walks a ton of hitters. He has a career BB/9 of 3.8. Twice he's led the majors in wild pitches. Are we going to get the 2022 and 2024 version of him or are we getting the 2023 and 2025 version? I do have faith that Pete Walker and his staff will work to get the best out of him.

It was an overspend I think. I don't know a lot about him, but I've been watching his highlights on YouTube. He also really short arms the ball. Doesn't get full loose extension. I don't like that. And then you factor in how many sliders he throws and how he is such a workhorse. Whenever I see pitchers with these types of overly compact, short arm deliveries, I always feel as though it's just a matter of time until their elbow explodes when they throw so many sliders. If it was a split finger/fastball mix like Kevin Gausman that's less stress on the elbow. But with Dylan Cease we are talking years and years and innings and innings of short arm deliveries, snap snap snap twist twist twist snap snap slider slider... I don't like being so negative and anticipating failure… But I don't like this move. His arm mechanics are very bad for preventing injury. I would pretty much say severe arm injury is inevitable..

Philip

 

[FortressMaximus]

I am hoping Pete Walker can make some corrections to his delivery. He has done wonders with other veterans over the years.

 

[Adam_hadam]

After the 2025 season, no more $9 500 level seats on Black Friday sale for 2026.

 

[roadhog]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1996001377848307801

 

[roddermac]

What team were you watching, vlad was pedestrian in the regular season and bo did most of the heavy lifting before his injury, along with Springer. He was still second in hits after missing a month or so. He should not make 200 while vlad makes 500m.

I think he signs elsewhere for the same money the jays offer to spite them. He's tired of being second fiddle. They had to use him to protect vladdy while Bo doesn't need protection.

I think they will regret Vladdy's contract sooner rather than later. Bo is clutch with runners in scoring position. Something the Jays were lacking in the playoffs. He did miss the first 2 series against the Yanks and Ms.

 

[tml]

Manoah signs with the Angels.

 

[roddermac]

Manoah signs with the Angels.

Trout will finally get his World Series ring.

 

[roadhog]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1997400734959063257

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1997398056975618268

 

[Toronto Passions]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1997400734959063257

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1997398056975618268

I've never understood how that works. Does that mean he can leave if he wants to?

I don't agree with getting rid of him at all. He pitched way better last year than he did in 2024 and will probably be even better this year. I do know he has dealt with a tired arm constantly. Seems like as soon as he hits the 50 inning plateau for the season. Pretty drastic drop off from 97/98 even to 93 miles an hour. There must be something they can do with conditioning his arm. I wouldn't get rid of him though. He's going to be very effective for them coming out of the bullpen. They might just want to re-strategize how they use him and what role are they giving him exactly. I would suggest 6th/7th inning with the lead or tie bridge man to get to the set up man. I'm hoping the set up man would be Jeff Hoffman and I'm really really hoping the closer will be Diaz or Fairbank ....fingers crossed.

What I'm getting tired of hearing about is Kyle Tucker Kyle Tucker, Kyle Tucker ... Bichette would be the fit… There are too many outfielders right now that were way too important for overall team chemistry. Santander, Barger, Nathan Lucas, Snyder, Varsho, Miles Straw (who is basically useless. Like that TERB poster here that calls him miles "Strawfull" lol so true) And where would Kyle Tucker play? Unless they plan on trading someone… But again team chemistry. These guys were two outs away from winning the World Series. Imagine that. I wouldn't touch a damn thing. Bring back Bichette get him for second base, lock him up long-term. This is your DH in a few years from now..... sign Chris Bassett as your long man/emergency starter… Get Diaz or Fairbank for your bullpen… And lock up Bo long-term. And don't touch another thing and this team will win.

Philip

 

[roddermac]

I've never understood how that works. Does that mean he can leave if he wants to?

I don't agree with getting rid of him at all. He pitched way better last year than he did in 2024 and will probably be even better this year. I do know he has dealt with a tired arm constantly. Seems like as soon as he hits the 50 inning plateau for the season. Pretty drastic drop off from 97/98 even to 93 miles an hour. There must be something they can do with conditioning his arm. I wouldn't get rid of him though. He's going to be very effective for them coming out of the bullpen. They might just want to re-strategize how they use him and what role are they giving him exactly. I would suggest 6th/7th inning with the lead or tie bridge man to get to the set up man. I'm hoping the set up man would be Jeff Hoffman and I'm really really hoping the closer will be Diaz or Fairbank ....fingers crossed.

What I'm getting tired of hearing about is Kyle Tucker Kyle Tucker, Kyle Tucker ... Bichette would be the fit… There are too many outfielders right now that were way too important for overall team chemistry. Santander, Barger, Nathan Lucas, Snyder, Varsho, Miles Straw (who is basically useless. Like that TERB poster here that calls him miles "Strawfull" lol so true) And where would Kyle Tucker play? Unless they plan on trading someone… But again team chemistry. These guys were two outs away from winning the World Series. Imagine that. I wouldn't touch a damn thing. Bring back Bichette get him for second base, lock him up long-term. This is your DH in a few years from now..... sign Chris Bassett as your long man/emergency starter… Get Diaz or Fairbank for your bullpen… And lock up Bo long-term. And don't touch another thing and this team will win.

Philip

I think keeping Bichette should be priority numero uno. I don't care the WAR says. Bo is a better hitter especially with runners on base. He's also clutch. The only issue is him not wanting to play second base because he would have lower value. Jays do need another outfielder for sure. Springer in gonna be the full time DH and once he's gone it's gonna be Santander(another horrible contract by Shatkins). I'm sure Barger will be playing more at third this season too. After Varsho who can't hit a beach ball the outfield is pretty weak.

 

[Toronto Passions]

I think keeping Bichette should be priority numero uno. I don't care the WAR says. Bo is a better hitter especially with runners on base. He's also clutch. The only issue is him not wanting to play second base because he would have lower value. Jays do need another outfielder for sure. Springer in gonna be the full time DH and once he's gone it's gonna be Santander(another horrible contract by Shatkins). I'm sure Barger will be playing more at third this season too. After Varsho who can't hit a beach ball the outfield is pretty weak.

I have a hard time finding room for an outfielder right now to be honest. I see Clement at third. With Springer being a DH they're not going to have Santander stand on his head lol he has to play somewhere.

And I wouldn't touch Nathan Lucas with a 10 foot pole. That guy was a key figure in character of this team… paid his dues in the minors, dedicated and hard-working, blue-collar, and still hits for decent average… very much a clutch key moment hitter. Great hard-working fielder… That's exactly what they need ongoing for as long as they can. And what about Jonatan Clase? Why is nobody talking about him anymore?

Philip

 

[roadhog]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1998183807628050647

 

[roadhog]

I see him starting the year in Buffalo.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1999606019807187241

Chase Lee Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News

Chase Lee Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News

www.mlb.com

Johan Simon Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News

Johan Simon Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News

www.milb.com

 

[maurice93]

I've never understood how that works. Does that mean he can leave if he wants to?

I don't agree with getting rid of him at all.

Glad to let you know they didn't get rid of him. He has no rights to leave the organization now that he has cleared waivers since he has limited MLB experience. He is forced to accept his demotion. Jays still have to pay him (they just were not keen on the price tag but it is what is). Its not that they don't like Yariel, its just that they know he is overpaid and it was an easy way to clear a roster spot. If he pitches well in spring he will make the team. I think he will be up within the first few months.

It was a clever way to clear a roster spot because they didn't think anybody would pick up his contract - and if by the odd chance he had been claimed the Jays saved $7M they could have spent elsewhere.


Now the situation is very different if you have 5 years of experience (could be 4). I'll use the example of Myles Straw - nice player but overpaid. If the Jays put him on waivers and nobody claimed him (and nobody would claim him), Straw has the right to refuse the demotion. He would become a Free Agent immediately, and the Jays would have to still pay out the remainder of his contract. Yariel doesn't have enough experience under MLB rules, to become a Free Agent.

 

[maurice93]

I hope the Jays trade Berrios, for another starting pitcher. However, Berrios still is owed $70 million by the Jays, so the Jays will probably have to pay some of Berrios salary to another team, if Berrios is actually traded.

If you trade Berrios for another starter, you will get starter that is worse than the current top 6 on the roster. So probably no real point to go that way.

Not against trading Berrios though which we will have to eat 50% if its not a garbage contract in return.

 

[roddermac]

If you trade Berrios for another starter, you will get starter that is worse than the current top 6 on the roster. So probably no real point to go that way.

Not against trading Berrios though which we will have to eat 50% if its not a garbage contract in return.

I think if they can trade Berrios it should be for another outfielder or third baseman depending on where they want Barger full time.

 

[Toronto Passions]

I'm counting the moments until they can sign Pete Fairbank. Chris Bassett and Pete Fairbank I think would be perfect for this bullpen. With Chris Bassett being a last moment starter when required… Chris Bassett and his stuff played so well in the playoffs out of the bullpen.

The big question is Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette or both?

Philip

 

[onomatopoeia]

The Jays just signed reliever Tyler Rogers.

Blue Jays add submariner Tyler Rogers to bullpen (source)

Tyler Rogers Career Stats

I'll go on record as saying this is an A+ move.

Rogers has the slowest fastball in the Majors. He's also led the Majors in relief appearances four times in his six full seasons.

I think there's way too much emphasis placed on a pitcher's velocity and strikeout rate. The pitcher's job is to get batters out, not to throw as fast as he can. I can't see Rogers going on the d/l for arm issues anytime in the next three seasons. Strikeouts are much more important when the team's hitters are poor fielders.

We all know that Philip has a fanboy crush on Roger Clemens' career, but my favorite from the past 30 or so years has to be Greg Maddux.

 

[K Douglas]

Rogers had great numbers last year but I don't think he's closer material. He doesn't miss bats.
As for Berrios we wouldn't get much for him on the trade market. So lets see if we can get more juice out of him. The last time he had a down year he bounced back nicely.