The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t exactly sat still this offseason. With splashy additions like Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce, and Kazuma Okamoto, they’ve made it clear: 2026 isn’t about rebuilding - it’s about making a serious run. But even with camp just around the corner, there’s still room for some smart, low-risk moves that could deepen the roster and provide insurance at key positions.
Let’s take a look at three overlooked free agents who could be intriguing Spring Training invites for Toronto - players who might not grab headlines, but could quietly make a difference when the season gets rolling.
Jonah Heim - A Catcher Worth a Second Look
On paper, the Blue Jays’ catching situation looks fairly set. Alejandro Kirk returns as the starter, and Tyler Heineman re-upped on a one-year deal to serve as the backup.
But dig a little deeper, and the organizational depth behind them gets thin fast. If either Kirk or Heineman misses time, Toronto would be turning to Brandon Valenzuela or C.J.
Stubbs - options that don’t exactly inspire confidence in a contending season.
That’s where Jonah Heim comes into play.
Heim isn’t just a body to fill out the depth chart. He’s a former All-Star who, not long ago, put up 18 home runs and 95 RBIs in a 131-game campaign. He’s also a Gold Glove winner behind the plate - a switch-hitter with a strong arm and soft hands who can impact the game on both sides.
At 30 years old, Heim still has plenty in the tank. And with the market for veteran catchers relatively quiet, the Blue Jays might be able to bring him in on a low-risk deal - MLB or minor league - and give themselves a legitimate third option behind the plate. He even brings some versatility, with experience at first base, which only adds to his value.
In a long season, catching depth matters. And Heim could be the kind of under-the-radar addition that pays off in a big way.
Danny Coulombe - Lefty Depth with Proven Results
It’s a little surprising that Danny Coulombe is still unsigned. Over the past decade, he’s been one of the more quietly consistent left-handed relievers in the game. He owns a career 3.35 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, and he’s struck out nearly a batter per inning while keeping the ball in the yard - just 31 home runs allowed over 316.2 innings.
Even more impressive? He’s not slowing down.
In 2025, Coulombe posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 55 appearances for the Twins and Rangers, striking out 43 in 43 innings. That’s not just serviceable - that’s high-leverage production.
Toronto’s bullpen has a few lefty options in Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, and swingman Eric Lauer, but none bring the veteran polish or track record of Coulombe. And when it comes to neutralizing left-handed hitters, Coulombe has been nails throughout his career, holding them to a .233 average and a .596 OPS.
The Blue Jays don’t need to overhaul their bullpen, but adding a proven lefty who can get big outs late in games? That’s a move contenders make. Coulombe’s experience and consistency make him a natural fit.
Michael Kopech - A High-Octane Arm with Upside
If there’s one thing every bullpen could use more of, it’s power. And when healthy, Michael Kopech brings it in spades.
Yes, injuries have been a hurdle in recent years, but the upside is undeniable. During his time with the Dodgers, Kopech flashed elite stuff - a 4-0 record, 1.54 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts in just 35 innings. That’s dominance, plain and simple.
At 29, Kopech still has the tools to be a difference-maker. His fastball can touch triple digits, and when his mechanics are right, he can overpower hitters in any situation. The question is health - but that’s exactly why a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite makes so much sense.
Toronto doesn’t need Kopech to be a savior. But if he shows he’s healthy and can command the zone, he could be a high-leverage weapon - maybe even a fallback option at closer if Jeff Hoffman struggles again.
In a bullpen that already has some intriguing pieces, Kopech could be the X-factor. The Jays wouldn’t be betting the farm - just taking a smart shot on a guy with a World Series pedigree and the kind of arm you don’t find on the waiver wire.
Final Thought
The Blue Jays have already made big moves this winter. But championships aren’t just won with stars - they’re won with depth, flexibility, and smart roster management. Bringing in veterans like Heim, Coulombe, and Kopech on low-risk deals could give Toronto a safety net - and maybe even a surprise contributor or two - as they chase October baseball in 2026.
Spring Training is the time to find hidden gems. And the Jays still have time to unearth a few.