"The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to be quite active in the free agent market this offseason as they look to upgrade their roster for the 2026 season. With all possibilities in play, ranging from promising depth prospects to potential star signings, the Blue Jays will look for the missing pieces to their contending puzzle. But with the non-tender deadline coming and going this past week, a few more intriguing names have suddenly entered the chat after not getting tendered a contract for the upcoming season."
"But that doesn't take away from the fact that he had established himself as a reliable reliever in the league during his time with the Chicago Cubs. Sporting a solid 3.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, along with 203 strikeouts in 168.1 innings pitched over 143 appearances between 2022 to 2024, Leiter became a key cog in the Cubs bullpen as a result. More significantly, despite being a right-handed pitcher, he is tough against left-handed hitters holding them to just a .227 average and .680 OPS for his career."
The non-tender deadline created a group of newly available free agents the Blue Jays can pursue to upgrade the roster for 2026. The team can target bullpen help, depth pieces, or higher-end signings depending on need and budget. Mark Leiter Jr. profiles as a reunion candidate after strong Cubs seasons (3.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 203 strikeouts in 168.1 innings from 2022–2024) and a career advantage versus left-handed hitters (.227 average, .680 OPS). Leiter struggled in a short 2018 Blue Jays stint and posted a 4.89 ERA with the Yankees recently, but a second chance could provide bullpen reinforcement.
Read at Jays Journal
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