Jays 2026 Thread

[roddermac]

Berrios has such a bad attitude towards the Blue Jays, that the Jays might try to trade Berrios, just to keep up team harmony and chemistry. Right now, Berrios is the Jays 6th starter, anyway. The Jays might be willing to pay another team half his salary, just to get rid of Berrios. In my opinion, the fact that Berrios went home to his family, during the Blue Jays world series run was disgraceful. Whereas players like Scherzer and Bassett, had the totally opposite attitude, even though both of them were left off the Jays playoff rosters, until the world series roster.

I'd like to hear Berrios side of the story before passing any judgement. But still he has good career stats. With what starters are getting in free agency I don't see it hard to trade him to a desperate team. They won't have to pay half his salary but I really think best move for the club is to resign Bichette if he's willing to play the two bag and get via trade another outfielder.

 

[Toronto Passions]

We all know that Philip has a fanboy crush on Roger Clemens' career,

Oh great, you just had to get me started on The Rocket, didn't you?

Do you still call it a fanboy crush when you are simply recognizing God and his perfect mechanics?

Philip

 

[Toronto Passions]

I seriously doubt the Jays will re-sign Bassett or Scherzer. Seranthony Dominguez will also not be re-signed. Pete Fairbanks has had continuous finger problems, so I doubt the Jays will sign him either.

If the Jays can't sign Bichette or Tucker, they'll try to sign Bregman or Cody Bellinger.

I don't agree with that. I feel like Chris Bassett would make a great long man/emergency starter. You have Eric Lauer on the left side for the same role. The question is though would Bassett want that role? He probably still feels like he could be a starter somewhere. I would like to see them bring back Dominguez. Pete Fairbanks still had 27 saves last year and through 60 innings with a 2.83 ERA. I think he made $3.5 million last year and he is 31 years old… Wouldn't take much to bring him here and it creates more options potentially. Plus, it feels like he's always been a thorn in the Blue Jays side that they can't do anything about. I say sign him.

Philip

 

[maurice93]

I don't agree with that. I feel like Chris Bassett would make a great long man/emergency starter. You have Eric Lauer on the left side for the same role. The question is though would Bassett want that role? He probably still feels like he could be a starter somewhere. I would like to see them bring back Dominguez. Pete Fairbanks still had 27 saves last year and through 60 innings with a 2.83 ERA. I think he made $3.5 million last year and he is 31 years old… Wouldn't take much to bring him here and it creates more options potentially. Plus, it feels like he's always been a thorn in the Blue Jays side that they can't do anything about. I say sign him.

Philip

Bassitt is almost certainly not happening, and Fairbanks went from possible to very unlikely after Rogers signed. (I think Fairbanks and Rogers were in the same tier that they were looking to sign 1 pitcher).

Bassitt's has had predicted salaries in the 2/35 range from multiple sites. Could Bassitt do that swing role well? Sure he could do it well, but its mutually not a fit:
a) Jays have no interest in paying a swing man 2/35, especially when they already have 7 candidates for starting spots.
b) Bassitt has zero interest in being a swing man. He wants to be a starter as he is still competent in that role. He did the bullpen thing because it was the PLAYOFFS. That is who he is. He liked it here, but there is no longer a mutual fit between both parties. He will find a playoff contender like the Cubs/Astros.

I'd gladly be proving wrong, because he could do the role, but he rightfully has higher aspirations.

Pete Fairbanks I have seen predicted at 2/18. I think he was certainly a strong consideration for the Jays, but once the Jays signed Rogers that likely was going to be it for the pen for right handed pitchers. Jays already have 4 leverage relievers that are righthanded. (Hoffman, Varland, Garcia, Rogers, and even Fisher). Fairbanks biggest issue is his medical condition that makes him struggle when the weather is cooler.

Jays have 7 starters already. (Gausman, Bieiber, Yesavage, Cease, Berrios, Ponce, Lauer)
We also have 4 leverage relievers (Hoffman, Garcia, Varland, Rogers) and 11 other options for 4 spots deeper in the pen(Little, Fluharty, Tiedemann, Lee, Yariel, Nance, Miles, Bastardo, Lauer (LR), Berrios (LR), Fisher)

I don't think they are adding another big piece to the pitching staff. If they do add a moderate piece my guess its a lefty reliever. Would be glad to be wrong but I think Cease, Ponce, Rogers was their big moves. They will assess what they have and I would expect them to add a pitcher at the deadline.

 

[maurice93]

I'd like to hear Berrios side of the story before passing any judgement. But still he has good career stats. With what starters are getting in free agency I don't see it hard to trade him to a desperate team. They won't have to pay half his salary but I really think best move for the club is to resign Bichette if he's willing to play the two bag and get via trade another outfielder.

I don't think there are people of his quality (or indicators) that will be signing for close to 3/70 though.

Berrios FIP's the last two years (4.72 and 4.65) are not good... and front offices look way more at FIP than ERA, as its more predictive. He also had a fairly significant decline in his stuff this past year based on pitch metrics. Poor predictive stats, fairly significant decline in stuff, possibly hurt... all the things that 100% deter front offices.

Merrill Kelly is predicted around 2/30 and Bassitt around 2/35, and they were better than Berrios last year. Older but stuff did not deteriorate either in 2025.

I just can't see how the Jays won't have to eat at least 40% of that deal if they are intent on moving him, for no salary in return. Now if you deal for a questionable contract on the other side, then maybe there is no eating.

 

[maurice93]

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.

I guess the question is whether 2024 was a down year or not. He did have have an ERA of 3.60, but his FI was 4.72, which suggested there was some luck in that year.

So I'm not sure if 2025 was really an isolated year, or just a continuation of 2024, with some decline in his stuff.

I assume the Jays are still on some budget, so if the Jays need to clear 10-12M of salary to make some critical move, then you eat 50% of his salary. But otherwise, I sort of agree just put him on the team, start him as the 6th starter / long reliever.... I'm sure there will be injuries, and hope that he pitches better,

 

[onomatopoeia]

Toronto Blue Jays 2025 Salaries

Toronto Blue Jays 2026 Salaries

The Jays are already well into the Luxury Tax penalty range for 2026.

For those who scoff, and say 'Rogers can afford it', know that the penalty is more than monetary. If they sign any free agent who declined a qualifying offer, it will cost them draft pick compensation and draft positions.

Salaries listed in pink are arbitration estimates. Kevin Gausman and George Springer are on expiring contracts, and Daulton Varsho will be eligible for free agency after 2026 if he isn't extended.

Andres Gimenez' salary will jump to $23 Million plus for 2027-30, and Myles Straw will be difficult to move at $16.5 Million for 2027/28.

 

[maurice93]

I don't think there are people of his quality (or indicators) that will be signing for close to 3/70 though.

Berrios FIP's the last two years (4.72 and 4.65) are not good... and front offices look way more at FIP than ERA, as its more predictive. He also had a fairly significant decline in his stuff this past year based on pitch metrics. Poor predictive stats, fairly significant decline in stuff, possibly hurt... all the things that 100% deter front offices.

Merrill Kelly is predicted around 2/30 and Bassitt around 2/35, and they were better than Berrios last year. Older but stuff did not deteriorate either in 2025.

I just can't see how the Jays won't have to eat at least 40% of that deal if they are intent on moving him, for no salary in return. Now if you deal for a questionable contract on the other side, then maybe there is no eating.

Kelly came in at 2/40 which was above predicted market... so that makes Berrios a bit easier to move than per my post above. We still have to eat a decent part of his deal (unless its a bad contract in return) but maybe its 10-15% less.

Also that is a pretty good comp for what Bassitt will get. Jays are not paying that.

 

[maurice93]

Myles Straw will be difficult to move at $16.5 Million for 2027/28.

You are mistaken on Straw.

He will be very easy to move in 2027 and 2028 as those years are "Club Options". As per the terms of the trade the $1.75 million buyout is the responsibility of the Indians.

So the Jays financial obligations for Straw end this year with his $6.4M contract. Rich for what he brings.

 

[maurice93]

Toronto Blue Jays 2025 Salaries

Toronto Blue Jays 2026 Salaries

The Jays are already well into the Luxury Tax penalty range for 2026.

For those who scoff, and say 'Rogers can afford it', know that the penalty is more than monetary. If they sign any free agent who declined a qualifying offer, it will cost them draft pick compensation and draft positions.

Salaries listed in pink are arbitration estimates. Kevin Gausman and George Springer are on expiring contracts, and Daulton Varsho will be eligible for free agency after 2026 if he isn't extended.

Andres Gimenez' salary will jump to $23 Million plus for 2027-30, and Myles Straw will be difficult to move at $16.5 Million for 2027/28

Bo, Bregman, Bellinger, every reliever except Diaz, would have no compensation for the Jays. Tucker would though (and Cease did)

The penalties are likely to get worse after 2026 for the Jays, because they got under the tax line in 2025. . Next year the penalties will be more and I assume they are making their FA moves now in part due to that.

I do not expect significant external spending next offseason. They will work in the realm of free agents who do not have Qualifying offers which is the majority of them. Just not the elite - or they will look to retain one or two of their own players. But next offseason will not be a "net add" I would think.

 

[roddermac]

You are mistaken on Straw.

He will be very easy to move in 2027 and 2028 as those years are "Club Options". As per the terms of the trade the $1.75 million buyout is the responsibility of the Indians.

So the Jays financial obligations for Straw end this year with his $6.4M contract. Rich for what he brings.

Didn't Cleveland pick up a good chunk of what remains on Straw's contract.

 

[maurice93]

Didn't Cleveland pick up a good chunk of what remains on Straw's contract.

They picked up 1 million of his $7.4 million this year. (and 1 million of his $6 million contract last year)
And the $1.75 million to buy him out next year.

 

[onomatopoeia]

You are mistaken on Straw.

He will be very easy to move in 2027 and 2028 as those years are "Club Options". As per the terms of the trade the $1.75 million buyout is the responsibility of the Indians.

So the Jays financial obligations for Straw end this year with his $6.4M contract. Rich for what he brings.

The man is not totally without use. He's the kind of player old school managers love - excellent in the field and in the clubhouse. Post playing career, I have no doubt that he'll be offered coaching jobs for as long as he wants them.

On the negative side, he occupies a valuable spot on the 40 man roster, and I think he would not be claimed, if waived. It's debatable as to whether or not a pre-arbitration player making $820K could fill the same roles.

 

[Toronto Passions]

Bassitt is almost certainly not happening, and Fairbanks went from possible to very unlikely after Rogers signed. (I think Fairbanks and Rogers were in the same tier that they were looking to sign 1 pitcher).

Bassitt's has had predicted salaries in the 2/35 range from multiple sites. Could Bassitt do that swing role well? Sure he could do it well, but its mutually not a fit:
a) Jays have no interest in paying a swing man 2/35, especially when they already have 7 candidates for starting spots.
b) Bassitt has zero interest in being a swing man. He wants to be a starter as he is still competent in that role. He did the bullpen thing because it was the PLAYOFFS. That is who he is. He liked it here, but there is no longer a mutual fit between both parties. He will find a playoff contender like the Cubs/Astros.

I'd gladly be proving wrong, because he could do the role, but he rightfully has higher aspirations.

Pete Fairbanks I have seen predicted at 2/18. I think he was certainly a strong consideration for the Jays, but once the Jays signed Rogers that likely was going to be it for the pen for right handed pitchers. Jays already have 4 leverage relievers that are righthanded. (Hoffman, Varland, Garcia, Rogers, and even Fisher). Fairbanks biggest issue is his medical condition that makes him struggle when the weather is cooler.

Jays have 7 starters already. (Gausman, Bieiber, Yesavage, Cease, Berrios, Ponce, Lauer)
We also have 4 leverage relievers (Hoffman, Garcia, Varland, Rogers) and 11 other options for 4 spots deeper in the pen(Little, Fluharty, Tiedemann, Lee, Yariel, Nance, Miles, Bastardo, Lauer (LR), Berrios (LR), Fisher)

I don't think they are adding another big piece to the pitching staff. If they do add a moderate piece my guess its a lefty reliever. Would be glad to be wrong but I think Cease, Ponce, Rogers was their big moves. They will assess what they have and I would expect them to add a pitcher at the deadline.

I watch a few podcasts on YouTube with regularity and nobody ever mentioned Fairbanks medical condition when talking about him as a potential signing. I just googled him yesterday and yes, indeed he has a medical condition with his nerves and cold weather. I never knew that.

I'm really big on chemistry. I think team chemistry is so unbelievably important. I really hope the Blue Jays work something out with Chris Bassett… I was watching Lindsey Dunn on her new podcast talk about how much money Chris Bassett and his wife donated to the Jays care foundation… We're talking close to $1 million. He is definitely invested in the city of Toronto. I really feel like he was the backbone of team chemistry along with guys like Nathan Lukas and Ernie Clement. Number crunching analytics and statistics really tells you nothing about how important these guys are for clutch moments and team chemistry. That's what I have always felt Ross Atkins doesn't fully grasp. This goes back to the Hernandez trade and the impact it had on Guerrero's development.

Philip

 

[maurice93]

I watch a few podcasts on YouTube with regularity and nobody ever mentioned Fairbanks medical condition when talking about him as a potential signing. I just googled him yesterday and yes, indeed he has a medical condition with his nerves and cold weather. I never knew that.

I'm really big on chemistry. I think team chemistry is so unbelievably important. I really hope the Blue Jays work something out with Chris Bassett… I was watching Lindsey Dunn on her new podcast talk about how much money Chris Bassett and his wife donated to the Jays care foundation… We're talking close to $1 million. He is definitely invested in the city of Toronto. I really feel like he was the backbone of team chemistry along with guys like Nathan Lukas and Ernie Clement. Number crunching analytics and statistics really tells you nothing about how important these guys are for clutch moments and team chemistry. That's what I have always felt Ross Atkins doesn't fully grasp. This goes back to the Hernandez trade and the impact it had on Guerrero's development.

Philip

I didn't know about Fairbanks problems until about 2 weeks ago. I don't think it was widely discussed previously or I was oblivious to it. I guess it wouldn't be a problem for home games.

Agree with you on the chemistry. Bassitt may have been a leader for the staff, and there as a great bond between the starting pitchers last year, and now perhaps 3 of them are gone. (Bassitt, Scherzer and Berrios). Bassitt recruited Free agents. Hopefully Gausman and Bieber could be good leaders this year. Cease doesn't seem like a diva, so hoping that bond that existed between the starters still carries forward. The vets were good for Trey and Lauer last year.

Straw and Clement were apparently huge on the hitter's side, and I assume Lukes as well. We were also helped by the fact that our hitting "stars" are not assholes , but perhaps not elite leaders either -- they all meshed well - Springer seems to be the life of the party. Vlad can perhaps at times lose focus, but he is not a bad guy. Bo is too quite to be a strong leader, but again a good guy.

 

[Toronto Passions]

and I assume Lukes as well.

One moment I'm calling him Nathan Luca… Then I call him Nathan LUKA... poor guy. Passed up upon most of his career, overlooked until recently… And then me calling him by the wrong spelling lol.

Philip

 

[Toronto Passions]

I consider myself to be an avid baseball fan but I had no clue what FIP stood for, until I googled it.

Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) | Glossary | MLB.com

You guys are too heavy on the analytics man. Like Buck Martinez says "analytics has never made anyone a better player. Trust your eyeballs." . Even Joe Carter said during that press conference regarding analytics "what??… huh ? I just cared about bringing those runners in man. That's all that concerned me." Lol

Philip

 

[onomatopoeia]

Blue Jays Designate Justin Bruihl For Assignment

Free agents Bo Bichette, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt are not on the 40 man roster. If any of them are re-signed, some other player will have to be removed.

 

[maurice93]

Blue Jays Designate Justin Bruihl For Assignment

Free agents Bo Bichette, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt are not on the 40 man roster. If any of them are re-signed, some other player will have to be removed.

A lot of pitchers that are possibilities that would not be major losses if picked up on waivers. - Bastardo (who still must be treated like a Rule 5 in 2026), Schultz, Lee, Macko, Estrada, Nance. My guess is that Schultz or Macko might be the one to go.

 

[onomatopoeia]

A lot of pitchers that are possibilities that would not be major losses if picked up on waivers. - Bastardo (who still must be treated like a Rule 5 in 2026), Schultz, Lee, Macko, Estrada, Nance. My guess is that Schultz or Macko might be the one to go.

I think they'll keep Macko, if only to be able to say that they didn't get nothing for Teoscar Hernandez.