"When the off-season first opened, Toronto's rotation plans for 2026 featured plenty of uncertainty, with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer set to hit free agency, and Shane Bieber (player option) highly expected to join them. Of course, Bieber ultimately decided to forgo the open market after triggering his $16 million option - a shocking decision that many industry executives remain puzzled by."
"Amid an era of industry-wide pitching injuries, the Blue Jays' brass has worked aggressively this winter to better prepare themselves to survive the grind of a 162-game season. They've kept their heads above water in previous years, relying on the likes of Ross Stripling, Hyun Jin Ryu, Francis and Lauer to step in and save their depleted rotation from a burning building."
"At some point, though, that luck will inevitably run out. Gausman (158), who trails only Cease (162) in games started since 2021, will be 35 years old next season and has already logged a ton of kilometres on his odometer. Bieber is preparing for his first full season post-Tommy John surgery, and Berríos also faces injury questions after spending the remainder of '25 on the IL."
Offseason uncertainty around free agents and a surprising Bieber option decision has shifted rotation planning for 2026. The Blue Jays now project to have more major-league-calibre starters than available rotation spots, including several triple-A starters on the 40-man roster: Adam Macko, Bowden Francis, Lazaro Estrada and Ricky Tiedemann. Management has proactively added depth to handle a 162-game season amid league-wide pitching injuries. Historical in-season substitutions helped before, but age and workload concerns for Kevin Gausman, post-surgery recovery for Bieber, and Berríos' recent IL time raise durability questions. Workload management for prospects like Yesavage is a possible consideration.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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