Toronto Blue Jays News

Josh Walker  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Josh Walker Inks Contract With Toronto

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to a one-year contract worth $760,000. In a corresponding move the Blue Jays released right-handed pitcher Hagen Danner. Walker has spent his entire professional career with the New York Mets after being selected in the 2017 MLB Draft out of New Haven. Across 22 1/3 major league innings of relief, the southpaw has held a 6.45 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. He struck out 23 batters and allowed 12 free passes. In 37 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level last summer, he posted a 4.06 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Walker to have a low-leverage role in the Toronto bullpen if he is able to earn a spot on the Opening Day Roster.
12 hours ago   
Bo Bichette  • SS  •  Blue Jays

Toronto "Not As Interested" In Re-Signing Bo Bichette

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Toronto Blue Jays are "not as interested" in re-signing infielder Bo Bichette in comparison to first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rosenthal noted that the Blue Jays will likely have to make a decision on who to resign this upcoming offseason, as both players will likely seek a massive pay increase. Rosenthal also said that circumstances around Bichette have changed since the Blue Jays dismissed any trade talks regarding the shortstop. In addition, the Blue Jays also brought in star defender Andres Gimenez, who could eventually be Bichette's replacement. Bichette is coming off the worst season of his career, where he posted a .225/.277/.322 slash line, a stark drop from the .306/.339/.475 line he held in 2023. Rosenthal also noted that even though Toronto would likely be "selling low" on the 26-year-old, a trade would make sense. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation. However, Bichette remains a popular buy-low investment heading into the 2025 season and should be in line to bounce back.
Yesterday   
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.  • 1B  •  Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Extension Remains In Play For Toronto

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Blue Jays are continuing to pursue a contract extension for their first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rosenthal noted that the Blue Jays have several contracts to take care of including Guerrero's extension, Bo Bichette's potential extension, and even the possibility of signing free agent Alex Bregman. While it will be difficult to accomplish all three of these tasks, Rosenthal noted that all three objectives remain "in play." Guerrero is projected to earn near $30 million in his final year of arbitration and will hit free agency at age 27. Given the massive contract Juan Soto earned this offseason, Guerrero could be store for a massive payday. The first baseman finished second in AL MVP in 2021 and is coming off another excellent campaign where he posted a .323/.396/.544 line with 30 home runs and 103 RBI.
Yesterday   
Ali Sánchez  • C  •  Blue Jays

Blue Jays Agree With Ali Sanchez On Minor-League Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays agreed with free-agent catcher Ali Sanchez on a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invite to big-league spring training. The 27-year-old backstop split time this past season in the minors with the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs while also appearing in 31 major-league games in Miami. The Venezuelan catcher played went 14-for-84 (.167) with no homers, four RBI, 24 strikeouts and four walks in 96 plate appearances for the Fish in his first MLB action since 2021. In 48 games at Triple-A Iowa and Triple-A Jacksonville, Sanchez slashed .226/.310/.361 with only three home runs and 22 RBI. The light-hitting catcher will have a shot to win an Opening Day roster spot in Toronto as a backup in spring training, but he will most likely kick off the 2025 campaign in the minors with Triple-A Buffalo.
4 days ago   
Juan Nunez  • RP  •  Padres  |  Juan Nunez  • P  •  Blue Jays

Padres Select Pitcher Juan Nunez In Rule 5 Draft

The San Diego Padres took pitcher Juan Nunez from the Orioles' organization with the 12th pick in Wednesday's Rule 5 Draft. Nunez ranked as Baltimore's eighth-ranked prospect, now slotting in as San Diego's No. 11. Players taken in the major league phase of the draft have to put on the team's 40-man roster, paving the way to playing time in the big leagues and the hope is that they'll remain on the 40-man at the end of the season. Six of the 10 players selected in last year's Rule 5 Draft stayed with the team for the entirety of the season. Nunez is a 5-foot-11 righty who has been used as both a starter and a reliever. The Dominican has a mid-90s fastball with a curve, slider, and changeup. In 2024 at High-A, the 24-year-old pitched to a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and had 38 strikeouts in 29 1/3 IP. While he may make his major league debut at some point in 2025, he is not on the fantasy radar at this point.
Dec 12   
Nick Sandlin  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Nick Sandlin Traded To Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-hander Nick Sandlin and second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for outfielder Nick Mitchell and infielder Spencer Horwitz, who was later flipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates for three pitchers. Sandlin, 27, has posted a decent 3.27 ERA (4.41 FIP), a 1.15 WHIP, one save and a 223:92 K:BB in 195 1/3 innings over 209 appearances (one start) in his first four years in the big leagues, all with the Guardians. For the second straight season in 2024, the reliever had a 3.75 ERA while also sporting a 1.27 WHIP, a career-high 68 strikeouts and 27 walks in 57 2/3 frames. The former second-round selection by Cleveland in the 2018 draft out of the University of Mississippi will serve in a middle-relief role for the Jays in 2025 and won't carry much fantasy value.
Dec 11   
Andrés Giménez  • 2B  •  Blue Jays

Blue Jays Acquire Andres Gimenez From Guardians

The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade on Tuesday to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, according to sources. Gimenez should become a little bit more interesting from a fantasy perspective with the move to hitter-friendly Rogers Centre and a pretty potent Blue Jays lineup despite his struggles offensive in Cleveland in 2024. The 26-year-old slashed .252/.298/.340 with 63 RBI in 152 games played in his final year with the Guardians. Although his bat may not stand out among second baseman, his glove does, and Gimenez has also recorded back-to-back 30-stolen base campaigns. Gimenez will be a nice bounce-back candidate in Toronto in 2025 as an everyday player after sporting an .837 OPS just two years ago. Target his speed in drafts and hope that he can start hitting ball harder than he has the last two seasons.
Dec 11   
Yimi García  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Yimi Garcia, Blue Jays Agree On Two-Year Contract

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow) to a two-year contract worth $15 million. Last season, Garcia opened the season in Toronto and was eventually traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Jonatan Clase. Overall across 39 innings of work, the right-hander held a 3.46 ERA and a stellar 0.90 WHIP with five saves and 13 holds. Garcia's season was cut short in late August due to elbow inflammation. Under the hood, he generated an impressive .185 xBA, 32.0% strikeout rate and 34.4% hard-hit rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to spring training, as he may face an uphill battle to be ready for the season opener. With Garcia returning to Toronto, fantasy managers should expect him to operate as the go-to eighth inning option, but he could eventually mix in for save opportunities with Chad Green.
Dec 10   
Kevin Gowdy  • RP  •  Blue Jays  |  Michael Stefanic  • 2B  •  Blue Jays

Blue Jays Sign Michael Stefanic, Kevin Gowdy To Minor-League Deals

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed infielder Michael Stefanic and pitcher Kevin Gowdy to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training. Stefanic has played his entire professional career in the Angels' organization, having a successful minor league career that has yet to translate to the big league level. The 28-year-old has a career .331/.416/.445 slashline in the minors (1749 ABs), however, that line drops to .232/.317/.275 in the majors (233 ABs). Gowdy has yet to make his major league debut despite being drafted in 2016 after Tommy John surgery and the COVID season delayed his advancement. Over his minor league career, the righty owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 270 strikeouts over 305 2/3 IP. Stefanic and Gowdy both figure to provide the Jays organizational depth for now.
Dec 4   
Daulton Varsho  • LF  •  Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho Unlikely To Be Ready For Opening Day

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) sounds unlikely to be ready for Opening Day in 2025, according to general manager Ross Atkins. "I don't want to limit him, but based on history, that could be unrealistic," said Atkins. Nothing is guaranteed at this time in the offseason, but it sounds like the Blue Jays aren't going to rush the 28-year-old in his recovery from surgery that he had on his right shoulder in late September. We'll have a better idea of his recovery timeline when the calendars flip to 2025, but Varsho's fantasy value will obviously take a hit if he's not ready for Opening Day. The former second-rounder had another below-average offensive season in Toronto in 2024, slashing .214/.293/.407 with a .700 OPS, 18 home run, 58 RBI, 10 steals and 73 runs scored in 136 games. Varsho's declining offensive profile and recovery from shoulder surgery won't make him very attractive in fantasy drafts next year.
Dec 4   
Bo Bichette  • SS  •  Blue Jays

Bo Bichette On Track For Opening Day

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said on Tuesday that shortstop Bo Bichette (finger) is on track to be ready for Opening Day in 2025. Bichette had season-ending surgery in late September to have a pin inserted into his fractured right middle finger. The 26-year-old had an awful 2024 season between poor performance and injuries and was limited to 81 games for the Blue Jays. Barring a setback during his offseason workouts, though, Bichette should be ready to play in spring training and for Opening Day as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in what could be his final season in Toronto. He hit .225 on the year after never hitting blow .275 at any professional level of his career. Yes, he was a massive fantasy bust. Despite the terrible year, with good health, Bichette can absolutely rebound and could come at a nice value in spring drafts.
Dec 4   
Alan Roden  • RF  •  Blue Jays

Alan Roden Named Toronto Hitting Prospect Of 2024

MLB Pipeline named outfielder Alan Roden Toronto's hitting prospect of the 2024 season. Roden, the No.12 ranked prospect in the system, opened the campaign by getting his second extended look at the Double-A ball. He performed well, hitting for a solid .267/.373/.432 line with seven home runs, 11 doubles, and a 29:34 BB:K ratio with six stolen bases. He then spent most of the second half of the summer with Triple-A Buffalo and posted a stellar .314/.406/.510 line across a 71-game stint. At the top level of the minor leagues, Roden hit nine long balls with a solid 35:41 BB:K ratio and eight swiped bags. Given his ability to adjust rather quickly to Triple-A pitching, Roden could be a strong candidate for an early season promotion to the major leagues in 2025.
Dec 1   
Erik Swanson  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Erik Swanson Inks Extension With Toronto

Relief pitcher Erik Swanson and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Swanson struggled last season as he posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 frames. In 2023, Swanson was one of the top options in the Toronto bullpen, and carried a strong 2.97 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This past summer, Swanson saw his hard-hit rate jump up ten points and barrel rate double compared to his 2023 production. In addition, he saw his K rate drop by six points. Even though he struggled in 2024, fantasy managers in holds leagues should consider targeting Swanson late in drafts this offseason, as he will likely return to his typical eighth-inning role.
Nov 25   
Adrian Pinto  • 2B  •  Blue Jays

Adrian Pinto Hits Three-Run Home Run In Fall Stars Game

Toronto Blue Jays second base prospect Adrian Pinto played the entire game at second base for the A.L. in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) Fall Stars game, logging four at-bats. The 22-year-old only collected one hit, but it was a huge three-run home run in the second inning of the game and would prove consequential in the outcome of the 6-5 win for the A.L. team. The diminutive second baseman is having a solid AFL showing otherwise, hitting .286 with five stolen bases while walking more than he is striking out (12:8 BB:K). Playing 17 of his 26 games at High-A in 2024 after missing most of the season with a rib injury, Pinto is a ways away from a major league debut but getting additional reps in the AFL. He currently sits outside the Jays' Top 30 prospects list, but should he perform well next season after a successful fall league campaign, it would not be a surprise to see him move up the ranks.
Nov 11   
Michael Petersen  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Michael Petersen Claimed By Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Michael Petersen off of waivers. Petersen spent the 2024 season with both the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 19 2/3 innings in the big leagues last season, the 30-year-old carried an underwhelming 5.95 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, with a 11:14 BB:K ratio. In Triple-A, Petersen posted a strong 1.64 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and a stellar 8:44 BB:K ratio. He also tallied ten saves. Even though Peterson struggled in the big leagues last season, he showed significant upside in the top level of the minors. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during Spring Training as he could eventually earn a high-leverage in the Toronto bullpen.
Nov 10   
Bo Bichette  • SS  •  Blue Jays

Bo Bichette Not On The Trade Block

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is not on the trade block. General manager Ross Atkins said it is an "easy no" when discussing potential trade inquiries surrounding the 26-year-old. Bichette had a disappointing 2024 season as he posted a career-worst .225/.277/.322 slash line with just four home runs, 31 RBI, and five stolen bases. The former second-round selection played in just 81 games this season due to numerous injuries. His metrics were not encouraging as he held a poor 4.4% barrel rate and .378 xSLG. However, given his past production, fantasy managers should expect Bichette to be in a good position to bounce back in the 2025 campaign.
Nov 5   
Yariel Rodríguez  • SP  •  Blue Jays

Yariel Rodriguez's Role Uncertain Heading Into Offseason

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins didn't exactly to commit to a firm role for Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez heading into the offseason. Atkins called Rodriguez a "solid option" for the Blue Jays in the starting rotation and is happy with where his workload is at as a starter. However, Atkins also said, "If we were to acquire one, I think he would be an exceptional reliever." It sounds as though the Blue Jays will continue to be flexible with the 27-year-old's role heading into next year. Toronto was careful with Rodriguez's workload in 2024 in his first year in the big leagues after not pitching in affiliated ball at all in 2023. All 21 of Rodriguez's appearances in his rookie year for the Blue Jays came in a starting role, and he finished with a 4.47 ERA (4.34 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP and an 85:40 K:BB in 86 2/3 total innings. Rodriguez will be much more attractive in fantasy leagues in 2025 if he's starting again.
Oct 2   
Leo Jiménez  • SS  •  Blue Jays  |  Jonatan Clase  • LF  •  Blue Jays

Jonatan Clase, Leo Jimenez Resting On Saturday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jonatan Clase and infielder Leo Jimenez will both start on the bench on Saturday against the visiting Miami Marlins at Rogers Centre. Fellow rookie Joey Loperfido will make the start in center field and will bat ninth, while Ernie Clement starts at the 6 and bats sixth against Marlins right-hander Xzavion Curry. Clase came to the Blue Jays via trade at the deadline at the end of July from the Mariners and has looked good in the early going in his six games with the team, going 6-for-16 (.375) with a homer, double and to RBI. However, the 22-year-old will take a seat after going hitless in four at-bats on Friday with two strikeouts. Jimenez has been forced into plenty of playing time in 2024 in his rookie campaign due to Bo Bichette's injuries and has slashed .229/.329/.358 with only four home runs and 19 RBI in 63 games played. Clement will be a low-upside DFS sleeper for Saturday's action.
Sep 28   
Chris Bassitt  • SP  •  Blue Jays

Chris Bassitt Won't Pitch In Season Finale

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt will no longer take the hill for the regular-season finale this Sunday at Rogers Centre versus the visiting Miami Marlins, according to manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays are now listing Sunday as a "TBA" day. Toronto hasn't named a replacement for Bassitt or given a reason for why the 35-year-old veteran won't take the ball to close out the season. Bassitt won a league-high 16 games for Toronto in his first year with the club in 2023 but wasn't nearly as successful this year, going 10-14 with a 4.16 ERA (4.08 FIP), a 1.46 WHIP and a 168:70 K:BB in 171 innings over his 31 starts. His ERA was his highest since 2016, when he pitched for the Oakland Athletics, and he also led the league with 16 hit-by-pitches. It's possible that he's dealing with a minor injury and the Blue Jays didn't want to risk anything.
Sep 27   
Joey Loperfido  • LF  •  Blue Jays

Joey Loperfido Getting A Day Off

Toronto Blue Jays rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Miami Marlins. With Loperfido starting on the bench, fellow outfield prospect Jonatan Clase is starting in center field and is batting eighth against Marlins right-hander Adam Oller. Loperfido, 25, has appeared at both center field and left field for Toronto and has mostly struggled offensively since being acquired from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in the deal that sent lefty Yusei Kikuchi to Houston. Loperfido has gone 27-for-130 (.208) with two homers, eight RBI, two steals and 48 strikeouts in his 41 games in Toronto. Clase, who was also acquired via trade with the Mariners this year, will be playing in just his sixth game with the Jays. So far, he's gone 6-for-12 with a homer, double and two RBI in 14 plate appearances.
Sep 27   
LEGEND
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