The Toronto Blue Jays came very close to winning their first World Series championship in over three decades last season, coming up just short in a grueling seven-game series against the eventual champions in the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a result, the Blue Jays will now have to wait for another chance for a potential title.
Louis Varland has the attitude and arsenal to be a successful closer. His fastball sat at 98 mph last season, and he generated ground balls at an elite 53.3% rate. He showed throughout the playoffs that he has a rubber arm and, more importantly, a short memory. Hoffman often let his struggles snowball; Varland may be better equipped mentally to turn the page after a shaky outing.
When Ray was traded to the Jays, he was at an all-time low in terms of value. An ERA of 7.84 in 12 games in Arizona saw him lose his spot in the rotation, and the Diamondbacks were content with letting him walk away for a little return. Toronto signed Ray the following winter to a one-year, $8 million contract, and it turned out to be one of the best buy-low gambles for the team.
I just want to start off by acknowledging my wife, Kayla, who is not only the strongest person that I know, but a support system for me every bit as much as I am for her. Part of what I am here to share is on behalf of the both of us. I will start off by thanking the Dodgers: Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Doc, the whole coaching staff, and all of my teammates.
Spencer's first three collegiate seasons were spent at Indiana State, posting a 5.63 ERA and 5.26 FIP in his freshman season, a 3.86 ERA and 3.90 FIP in 37.1 innings pitched in his sophomore season in 2023, and a 4.08 ERA and 3.54 FIP in 2024. His final season with Indiana State saw him start nine of 18 games, after spending the 2023 season as the Sycamores' closer.
The first reason for optimism is that Yesavage throws quality pitches. His fastball sat at 94.7 mph during the regular season, and his devastating splitter came as advertised. His slider is another funky weapon, and he's apparently been tinkering with a curveball as well this offseason. His success wasn't a case of getting lucky with an underwhelming repertoire; Yesavage has the tools needed to get major league hitters out.
Toronto Blue Jays were heading into the 2026 MLB season with massive starting pitching depth, until news broke on the first day of Spring Training that two of their pitchers won't be available for an extended period of time due to injuries. Shane Bieber is dealing with forearm fatigue and will miss the start of the regular season, while news for Bowden Francis was even worse, as he will miss the entire 2026 year due to an elbow injury that will require UCL reconstructive surgery.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander will miss much of the 2026 Major League Baseball season as a result of surgery, team officials said Tuesday. Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that Santander will undergo left labral surgery on Wednesday and then "be out for approximately five to six months." The switch-hitting Santander signed a five-year, $92.5-million US deal to play with the Blue Jays, ahead of the 2025 season.
