"Heading into the 2026 season, it'll be a strength for the Blue Jays, as Shane Bieber is set to return, while they've gone out and got Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce. Lauer will remain in the Blue Jays bullpen, with José Berríos also an option for the rotation. But on top of that, the Jays will have some prospects ready to fill whenever."
"On two separate occasions, he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning, just to have it broken up with a lead-off home run. Francis also had a no-hitter heading into the sixth inning in the game after his first no-hit bid. Because of the strong end to his 2024 season, Francis was given an opportunity as the Blue Jays' fifth starter, but it didn't go so well."
Starting pitching depth was a persistent weakness that contributed to early 2025 struggles when Bowden Francis struggled and Max Scherzer left his debut with an injury. The team resorted to a bullpen day before the rotation stabilized as Eric Lauer filled in effectively and Scherzer returned. Heading into 2026, rotation depth improves with Shane Bieber returning and acquisitions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce. Lauer will stay in the bullpen while José Berríos remains a rotation option. Several prospects and 40-man roster players are positioned to provide additional depth when needed. Bowden Francis' strong 2024 finish led to a chance as a fifth starter, but injuries and performance issues limited his 2025 contributions.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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