With the 2026 MLB season fast approaching, the Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing their roster as they prepare to defend their American League pennant.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) talks with a group of players before the start of the game. | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Toronto’s lineup remains one of the most dangerous in baseball, but one key roster decision still needs to be resolved before Opening Day: the final spot in the bullpen.
Offense remains the Blue Jays’ biggest strength
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez (29) talks with catcher Alejandro Kirk (30), pitching coach Pete Walker (41) and manager John Schneider (14) after he throws a bullpen session. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Blue Jays once again boast an offense capable of carrying the team deep into the postseason.
Players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Daulton Varsho provide both power and clutch hitting, giving Toronto one of the most balanced lineups in the league.
But while the offense appears set, the pitching staff — particularly the bullpen — still contains some uncertainty.
Bullpen could determine early-season success
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chase Lee (52) throws a pitch. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto’s pitching outlook improved this offseason with the addition of Dylan Cease, who strengthens the starting rotation.
However, once the starters leave the game, the responsibility shifts to the bullpen — an area that still needs clarity.
Last season, the Blue Jays’ relief corps posted a 3.98 ERA, a respectable number but one that leaves room for improvement for a team with championship ambitions.
According to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, the final bullpen role remains one of the most competitive position battles in camp.
Several pitchers competing for the final spot
Toronto currently has multiple pitchers fighting for the final bullpen role.
Two notable candidates include Rule 5 Draft selections Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo. Because of Rule 5 rules, if either player fails to make the roster, they would likely have to be returned to their original organizations.
That situation adds another layer of complexity to the decision.
Chase Lee emerging as intriguing option
Another pitcher making a strong case is left-hander Chase Lee, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers.
Although Lee has only received a limited number of innings this spring, he has performed extremely well in those appearances and could earn a spot if the team values his upside.
Eric Lauer expected to play key role
One pitcher who appears secure regardless of the roster crunch is Eric Lauer.
Lauer has proven to be one of the most versatile arms on the pitching staff. He can function as either a starter or reliever, making him an extremely valuable option for manager John Schneider.
His strong performance during last year’s postseason run also solidified his importance to the team’s pitching plans.
Tough decisions ahead
With so many capable arms competing for limited bullpen spots, the Blue Jays face difficult roster decisions in the coming days.
Matheson described the competition as “one crowded, complicated competition,” a fitting description for a bullpen battle that remains unresolved as Opening Day approaches.
Fortunately for Toronto, even pitchers who fail to make the Opening Day roster will likely still receive opportunities during the season.
Given the long grind of a 162-game schedule, bullpen depth will almost certainly become critical — and the Blue Jays may eventually rely on many of the same arms currently battling for that final spot.
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