As spring training begins to wind down in Dunedin, the Toronto Blue Jays are narrowing their focus on building the roster that will open the 2026 MLB season.
On Friday, the team announced that five players have been reassigned to minor league camp, signaling that their chances of making the Opening Day roster have ended for now.
According to the Blue Jays’ official announcement, the following players were sent down:
- RHP Chad Dallas
- RHP Ryan Jennings
- RHP CJ Van Eyk
- C Aaron Parker
- INF Cutter Coffey
While none of the five were considered strong candidates to break camp with the big-league team, each had reasons to earn a look during major league spring training.
Chad Dallas continuing comeback
Chad Dallas throws a pitch | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Right-hander Chad Dallas has been part of the Blue Jays organization since being selected in the 2021 MLB Draft.
His invitation to big-league camp was an important step in his return from injury after missing the entire 2025 season.
Getting innings this spring allowed Dallas to continue his recovery process and work his way back into game shape as he prepares for the upcoming minor league season.
Ryan Jennings still on the radar
Another pitcher reassigned was Ryan Jennings, who spent the 2025 season splitting time between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo.
The 26-year-old features a four-pitch arsenal, highlighted by a sinker that sits around 95 mph.
Jennings has struggled with command at times, particularly with walks, but his ability to generate swing-and-miss stuff keeps him on the organization’s radar as a potential future bullpen option.
CJ Van Eyk placed in difficult situation
Former second-round pick CJ Van Eyk also heads back to minor league camp.
Van Eyk recently made headlines after being forced into an emergency start against the Philadelphia Phillies when José Berríos was scratched due to elbow inflammation.
The outing proved difficult for Van Eyk, who allowed six runs over 2.1 innings, though the circumstances made it a tough situation for any pitcher to handle.
Despite the rough result, the appearance gave the organization another chance to evaluate his progress.
Coffey showing promise as infield prospect
Among the position players reassigned, Cutter Coffey may have had the most intriguing spring.
The 21-year-old infielder, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Danny Jansen trade in 2024, is coming off the best season of his professional career.
With High-A Vancouver in 2025, Coffey hit .273 with 11 home runs, showing promising power and offensive development.
Defensively, Coffey profiles well at third base thanks to his above-average arm strength, though he still needs to improve his pitch recognition against breaking balls as he advances through the minors.
Aaron Parker continuing development behind the plate
Catcher Aaron Parker also returns to the minors after spending time in big-league camp.
The 23-year-old is known for his power potential at the plate, though he continues to develop his contact skills and defensive abilities behind the dish.
Parker was unlikely to make the roster this spring with Alejandro Kirk firmly established as the starting catcher and Tyler Heineman serving as the backup.
Instead, Parker will likely spend the 2026 season continuing his development at the upper levels of the Blue Jays minor league system.
More roster cuts still coming
With Opening Day scheduled for March 27 against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays are steadily shaping their final roster.
Additional roster cuts are expected in the coming weeks as the team finalizes its 26-man roster.
While these five players will start the year in the minors, strong performances during the season could still earn them call-ups to Toronto later in 2026.
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