943 articles found
TOR • Pitcher • #29
about 16 hours ago
Rodríguez, who is owed $17 million over the next three years, passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the club’s 40-man roster to make room for Cody Ponce. He was a key component of Toronto’s bullpen last season, recording a solid 3.08 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.15 WHIP and 66/34 K/BB ratio across 73 innings of work over 73 appearances. The 28-year-old righty signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2024 season and was eventually moved to a full-time relief role after struggling to an inflated 4.47 ERA across 86 2/3 innings over 21 starts in his debut. He’ll compete for a spot in Toronto’s bullpen during spring training.
TOR •
5 days ago
There’s deferred money in the deal that makes it around $26 million per year for luxury tax purposes, but in terms of cash, Cease gets the seventh-largest contract in history for a pitcher, tied with Max Scherzer’s seven-year deal that expired in 2021 and Corbin Burnes’ seven-year deal signed a year ago. Cease replaces Chris Bassitt and is set to join Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, José Berríos and Trey Yesavage in the Jays’ 2026 rotation. He should probably be looked at in the 15-20 range among fantasy SPs.
TOR • 3B
12 days ago
Castro has decent pop and will take a walk, but he never has figured out how to hit for average; he’s come in at .219/.292/.380 in 627 major league plate appearances with the Pirates and Phillies and he finished at .235/.324/.421 in Triple-A last season. He’s still just 26, so maybe the Blue Jays can work some magic with him.
Source: Ari Alexander
TOR •
19 days ago
One of baseball’s premier pitching prospects before undergoing Tommy John surgery last August, Tiedemann will be protected from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. The 23-year-old southpaw is expected to be ready for the start of spring training but will need to build up his workload before he’s an option for the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. His swing-and-miss raw stuff makes him an intriguing name to watch next spring, though he’s unlikely to reach Toronto before the latter part of next season barring any setbacks.
TOR • Pitcher • #52
22 days ago
Sandlin passed through waivers unclaimed after being jettisoned from Toronto’s 40-man roster and has been effectively been non-tendered after making just 19 relief appearances this past season in his Blue Jays debut. The 28-year-old missed most of the season with shoulder and elbow issues. He made 209 appearances for the Guardians over a four-year span from 2021-2024 before his inclusion in the Andrés Giménez trade last offseason. There’s probably another organization willing to bring him to camp given his extensive experience in the big leagues.
TOR • Pitcher • #23
27 days ago
When asked about is confidence in Hoffman in the ninth inning — following him blowing a save in Game 7 of the World Series by serving up a game-tying solo homer to light-hitting infielder Miguel Rojas — Atkins noted that Hoffman “would be open to anything that makes us better.” He also added that Hoffman doesn’t care what role he’s used in, saying, “The great thing about Jeff is he’s not married to that.” Hoffman converted 33 saves in 40 opportunities for the Jays during the regular season, picking up nine wins and seven losses along the way. It sounds like they could be in the market for an upgrade in the ninth inning if the right opportunity presents itself over the winter.
Source: Rob Longley
TOR • Pitcher • #46
about 1 month ago
Atkins added that they are involved in talks about an extension. A new deal is also expected for president and CEO Mark Shapiro, whose current contact only ran through this year.
Source: Mitch Bannon
TOR •
about 1 month ago
Valenzuela, who was the return from the Padres for Will Wagner at the deadline, would have become a minor league free agent later today. The backstop hit .224/.309/.383 between the Padres’ Double-A affiliate and Buffalo last season. He might take over as Alejandro Kirk’s backup at some point, but the Jays will stick with Tyler Heineman there next season.
TOR •
about 1 month ago
Burr and Tate have declined the assignments and become free agents. The 26-year-old Piña will remain in the organization. The Jays acquired him from the Marlins in June, but he pitched just once for the club and then missed the end of the year with a sprained elbow.
TOR • LF
about 1 month ago
Mattingly is looking to do something different, it seems, though it doesn’t appear as though he’s interviewed for any managerial openings. Phillies reporter Jim Salisbury said he could land in Philadelphia as the team’s new bench coach. Mattingly managed the Dodgers for five years and the Marlins for seven before spending the last three seasons as the Jays’ bench coach.
Source: Jon Heyman
TOR • Pitcher • #57
about 1 month ago
Bieber’s return is a major boost for Toronto’s rotation, as he’s opted to stay with the Blue Jays for at least another season to rebuild his long-term value before hitting free agency. It’s a massive surprise given how strong he looked in October and how many teams likely would’ve shown interest in a far more lucrative multi-year deal. The 30-year-old former fantasy ace made just seven regular-season starts this year in his return from Tommy John surgery but posted a solid 3.86 ERA over 18 2/3 innings during the postseason. He’ll projects as a top-50 fantasy starter next spring despite some clear durability concerns.
TOR •
about 1 month ago
One of baseball’s premier pitching prospects before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2024, Tiedemann progressed to throwing off a mound late last season but never returned to minor league action. The 23-year-old southpaw’s swing-and-miss raw stuff makes him an intriguing name to watch in Grapefruit League action, though he’s unlikely to reach Toronto before the latter part of next season barring any setbacks.
Source: MLB.com
TOR •
about 1 month ago
Scherzer’s remarks came in the wake of Toronto’s heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Dodgers, which capped one of the most thrilling Fall Classics in recent memory. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings in that contest and said afterward there’s “no way” that was his final pitch in the majors. He proved to be a true X-factor for the Blue Jays during their postseason run after injuries limited him to just 17 regular-season starts. While he’s unlikely to carry much fantasy value next year due to omnipresent physical concerns, his playoff experience, big-game moxie, and competitiveness should appeal to contenders seeking to fortify the back end of their rotation this offseason.
Source: Jesse Rogers
TOR • SS
about 1 month ago
Bichette opened the second inning with a walk as the Blue Jays loaded the bases against Shohei Ohtani, but Andrés Giménez struck out and they came away empty-handed. An inning later, George Springer led off with a single, was sacrificed to second, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was intentionally walked to bring up Bichette — who promptly ambushed a first-pitch slider for a 442-foot, three-run homer (110.1 mph EV) to give Toronto an early lead. He later added a one-out single off Blake Snell in the ninth before being lifted for a pinch-runner. The 27-year-old impending free agent wrapped up the World Series slashing a strong .348/.444/.478 slash line with one homer and six RBI across seven games, setting himself up for a potentially massive multi-year payday in free agency this winter.
TOR • SS
about 1 month ago
Bichette started off the second inning with a walk as the Blue Jays loaded the bases against Shohei Ohtani, but Andrés Giménez struck out and they wound up coming away empty-handed. In the third inning, George Springer led off with a single, he was sacrificed to second base and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was walked intentionally to bring up Bichette. He then ambushed a first-pitch slider for a 442-foot (110.1 mph EV) three-run shot that gave the Blue Jays an early advantage. He also smacked a one-out single off of Blake Snell in the ninth inning before exiting for a pinch-runner. Bichette finishes the World Series slashing a healthy .348/.444/.478 with a homer and six RBI in seven games — setting himself up to land an incredibly-lucrative multi-year deal on the open market over the winter.
TOR • Outfielder • #4
about 1 month ago
Springer led off the home half of the first inning with a single but was ultimately cut down attempting to steal second base — after confusion over whether or not Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had walked or struck out. He then led off the third inning with a single and rode home on Bo Bichette’s epic three-run blast. He also singled in the fourth inning. The dynamic 36-year-old finishes the postseason hitting .284/.347/.552 with four homers and 10 RBI in 67 at-bats.
TOR • Pitcher • #23
about 1 month ago
Hoffman was called upon with the bases empty and two outs in the eighth inning and he got Tommy Edman to ground out harmlessly to second base. He then returned for the ninth where he got Enrique Hernandez on a swinging third strike before serving up a game-tying solo home run on a full-count offering to Miguel Rojas. He then rallied to retire Shohei Ohtani on a fly ball and Will Smith on strikes to end the inning. Hoffman finishes the postseason with a stellar 1.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and an 18/4 K/BB ratio across 12 1/3 innings in 10 appearances.
TOR • Pitcher • #23
about 1 month ago
Hoffman was called upon with the bases empty and two outs in the eighth inning and he got Tommy Edman to ground out harmlessly to second base. He then returned for the ninth with a chance to close out Toronto’s first championship in over three decades. He got Enrique Hernandez on a swinging third strike before serving up a game-tying solo home run on a full-count offering to Miguel Rojas. He then rallied to retire Shohei Ohtani on a fly ball and Will Smith on strikes to end the inning. Hoffman finishes the postseason with a stellar 1.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and an 18/4 K/BB ratio across 12 1/3 innings in 10 appearances.
TOR •
about 1 month ago
The grizzled 41-year-old right-hander struck out three batters on the night while allowing only one base on balls. The Dodgers had him on the ropes in the fourth inning as Will Smith led off with a double and Freddie Freeman followed with a single, but he ultimately allowed just the one run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Teoscar Hernandez on what was an outstanding diving catch by Daulton Varsho in center field. Scherzer got five whiffs on 54 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 24%. He left with a 3-1 lead and in position to secure a World Championship with a third different ballclub, but the Dodgers rallied late and would not be denied. It remains to be seen if this is how the future Hall of Famer wants to go out, or if he has plans on pitching again in 2026.
TOR • Outfielder • #4
about 1 month ago
Springer has been playing through a laundry list of physical issues this postseason, but he’s atop Toronto’s lineup as the calendar flips to November for the most important contest for the franchise in over three decades. Alejandro Kirk is a full-go for the winner-take-all showdown at the Rogers Centre after being plunked on the left hand during the ninth inning of Game 6. Here’s the full lineup set to face Dodgers superstar Shoei Ohtani and company: Springer (DH), Nathan Lukes (LF), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Bo Bichette (2B), Addison Barger (RF), Kirk (C), Daulton Varsho (CF), Ernie Clement (3B) and Andrés Giménez (SS).
Source: MLB.com
TOR • Pitcher • #39
about 1 month ago
It’ll be all-hands-on-deck for the Blue Jays behind Game 7 starter Max Scherzer on Saturday evening at the Rogers Centre as they attempt to bring a World Series title back to Toronto for the first time since 1993. The 22-year-old rookie phenom has been a game-changer this postseason with a sparkling 3.46 ERA and 39/10 K/BB ratio across 26 innings over five playoff starts. He struck out 12 and allowed one run over seven innings during Wednesday’s Game 5 victory. This would be his normal bullpen day between starts, so he figures to be available in some capacity after throwing 104 pitches earlier this week. He’ll be one of the most popular pitching targets for fantasy managers in drafts next spring.
TOR • Catcher • #30
about 1 month ago
Kirk will be ready to go for Saturday night’s winner-take-all Game 7 showdown to decide the Fall Classic at the Rogers Centre. The 26-year-old backstop appears to have avoided serious injury after being drilled on the left hand by a splitter from Dodgers closer Roki Sasaki while leading off the ninth inning of Game 6.
Source: Shi Davidi
TOR • Catcher • #30
about 1 month ago
Kirk was plunked in the hand to lead off the ninth inning, and while he wasn’t likely to stay in the game anyway because of lack of speed, he was removed from the contest. It’s likely just a precautionary measure, but this would be a massive loss for Toronto as Kirk has been one of their most important players during their impressive postseason run. If he can’t start, Tyler Heineman would likely be behind the plate.
TOR • Catcher • #30
about 1 month ago
Kirk was plunked in the hand to lead off the ninth inning, and while he wasn’t likely to stay in the game anyway because of lack of speed, he was removed from the contest. It’s likely just a precautionary measure, but this would be a massive loss for Toronto as Kirk has been one of their most important players during their impressive postseason run. If he can’t start, Tyler Heineman would likely be behind the plate.
TOR • Outfielder • #4
about 1 month ago
Springer drove in the only run of the game on a line drive to center on a 3-0 pitch from an otherwise-effective Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He also picked up a single in the ninth on a dribbler that just got past Freddie Freeman. After missing the previous two games with his side discomfort, Springer didn’t exactly look spry, but healthy enough that he’ll almost assuredly hit at the top of the order against the Dodgers in Game 7 come Saturday.
TOR • Pitcher • #34
about 1 month ago
Gausman allowed all three runs in the third inning on an RBI double by Will Smith and a two-run single by Mookie Betts. Outside of that frame the right-hander pitched well, but that was more than enough offense for Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers. Gausman picked up losses in both of his World Series starts, but he pitched well enough to win. The 34-year-old will likely make his next appearance at or near the top of the Toronto rotation in 2026, as there’s one more year left on his contract.
TOR • Outfielder • #4
about 1 month ago
The 36-year-old slugger missed each of the previous two games — both Blue Jays’ road victories — due to discomfort in his right side. He’ll serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff against Dodgers’ right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Friday evening. Here’s the full lineup the Jays will use as they attempt to close out their first World Series Championship since 1993: Springer (DH), Nathan Lukes (LF), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Bo Bichette (2B), Daulton Varsho (CF), Alejandro Kirk (C), Addison Barger (RF), Ernie Clement (3B) and Andrés Giménez (SS).
Source: MLB
TOR • Outfielder • #4
about 1 month ago
Springer was sidelined for two consecutive Fall Classic contests out in Los Angeles due to right side discomfort. Schneider added that he was close to starting Game 5 on Wednesday night before noting that he’s “checked every box physically so far.” The 36-year-old’s return would provide a significant lift for the top of Toronto’s lineup as they attempt to close out the World Series at the Rogers Centre and bring home the club’s first championship in 32 years.
Source: Arden Zwelling
TOR • Outfielder • #36
about 1 month ago
Schneider got the start with left-hander Blake Snell on the mound, and he greeted Snell with a solo homer on the first pitch of the game. He also drew a walk while getting the start over Nathan Lukes. It’ll likely be Lukes back in the outfield against Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 6 of the World Series on Friday, but Schneider will certainly be available off the bench against any southpaws.
TOR • Infielder • #27
about 1 month ago
Guerrero went back-to-back with Davis Schneider to leadoff the game and give the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead. His second free pass was a wild pitch that allowed a run to score. The 26-year-old superstar has gotten on base at a .506 clip with an .831 slugging percentage while homering eight times in the postseason, and he’s how helped Toronto get to within one win of their first World Series title in 32 years.