Spring training may feel like it has only just begun, but the Toronto Blue Jays have already started making roster cuts as they shape their squad for the 2026 season.
Feb 21, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Adam MacKo (64) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
With just over a week of Grapefruit League action completed, Toronto began reducing the number of players in major league camp, sending several pitching prospects to minor league assignments.
Three Pitching Prospects Moved Out of Camp
According to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, the Blue Jays made three roster moves involving notable young arms.
- Adam Macko was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
- Fernando Perez was reassigned to minor league camp
- Gage Stanifer was also reassigned to minor league camp
All three pitchers are ranked among the top 21 prospects in Toronto’s system, according to MLB Pipeline.
These early moves are typical as teams begin to narrow down rosters during spring training.
Adam Macko Heading Back to Triple-A
Left-hander Adam Macko, 25, will likely take a little longer to report to Buffalo because he is set to represent Team Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Macko has performed well so far in spring training, throwing three hitless innings while recording:
- 2 strikeouts
- 2 walks
Last season with Triple-A Buffalo, he posted:
- 3–8 record
- 5.06 ERA
- 1.52 WHIP
He made 18 appearances, including 10 starts, and struck out nearly one batter per inning.
The Blue Jays view Macko as valuable rotation depth, and he will likely remain on standby in Triple-A if the major league club needs pitching help later in the season.
Fernando Perez Returns to Development Path
Right-hander Fernando Perez, 22, had a strong season in the minors in 2025.
Across High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, he made 26 starts and recorded:
- 6–7 record
- 3.04 ERA
- 1.16 WHIP
- 105 strikeouts in 121.1 innings
However, Perez struggled in his brief spring training appearances, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits across 2.2 innings.
Returning to minor league camp will allow him to continue developing and preparing for another season in the system.
Stanifer Looking to Rebound
Another notable prospect moved out of camp is Gage Stanifer, who was one of the Blue Jays’ biggest breakout performers in 2025.
Last year he climbed three levels of the minors, eventually reaching Double-A New Hampshire.
Across 27 appearances (16 starts) he posted:
- 8–6 record
- 2.86 ERA
- 1.17 WHIP
- 161 strikeouts in 110 innings
Despite that breakout season, Stanifer struggled during his limited spring action this year, posting:
- 16.20 ERA
- 1.80 WHIP
- in two relief outings
He is expected to begin the 2026 season back at Double-A, continuing the development that helped him rise quickly through the system last year.
More Roster Cuts Coming Soon
These are likely just the first of many roster moves the Blue Jays will make during spring training.
However, the World Baseball Classic (March 4–17) could give remaining players extra opportunities to impress. With several major league regulars participating in the tournament, some fringe players may receive extended playing time in camp.
That added exposure could help Toronto’s front office determine who might contribute later in the season.
For now, the Blue Jays have begun the early process of shaping their roster for Opening Day.
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