"Entering the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays had originally set out to make significant improvements to their bullpen heading into 2026. So far, the Blue Jays have managed to recruit intriguing arms in Tyler Rogers from the free agent market and Chase Lee via a trade with the Detroit Tigers. However, they haven't been able to grab a back end difference maker. With top free agent closer Pete Fairbanks now off the board after signing with the Miami Marlins this week,"
"As a former first round pick by the Baltimore Orioles back in the 2013 MLB Draft, Hunter Harvey had his breakthrough in the majors with the Washington Nationals after joining the club as a waiver claim prior to the 2022 regular season. From there, Harvey posted back-to-back sub-3.00 ERA seasons while averaging more than a strikeout per inning in 2022 and 2023 with the Nationals."
"After some struggles during his 2024 campaign that saw him get traded to the Kanasa City Royals prior to the trade deadline, Harvey returned to form in 2025 with the Royals, posting a 0.00 ERA and 0.66 WHIP in 12 relief appearances. Unfortunately, injury woes limited the 31-year-old reliever to just those 12 games as he looks for a fresh start once again in 2026."
The Toronto Blue Jays entered the offseason aiming to upgrade their bullpen for 2026 and added Tyler Rogers and Chase Lee but missed top closer Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks signing with Miami leaves limited premium options on the market, prompting a search for potential low-cost difference makers among remaining relievers. Hunter Harvey stands out as a candidate due to prior success with the Nationals, including back-to-back sub-3.00 ERAs and a 2023 stint as closer. Harvey posted excellent numbers in 2025 with the Royals but was limited to 12 games by injuries, making him a low-risk, high-reward target.
Read at Jays Journal
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