Spring is in the air, and for the Toronto Blue Jays, that means it’s time to get back to work. Pitchers and catchers are set to report to camp on Wednesday, kicking off a crucial preseason stretch for a team that’s entering 2026 with high expectations and a few key questions.
While the full roster won’t be on hand just yet-thanks to the upcoming World Baseball Classic-there’s already a buzz around the Blue Jays’ facility. Several position players are expected to show up early, getting a jumpstart on what promises to be a competitive and eventful spring.
World Baseball Classic Takes Center Stage
This year’s spring training won’t be business as usual. The World Baseball Classic returns in March, and Toronto will be well-represented on the international stage. Seven players from the Blue Jays' major-league roster are suiting up for their home countries, giving fans a chance to see some familiar faces in new uniforms.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will headline the Dominican Republic’s squad, bringing his power bat and infectious energy to one of the tournament’s perennial powerhouses. Andres Gimenez will represent Venezuela, Leo Jimenez will take the field for Panama, and Ernie Clement joins Team USA as a versatile infield option.
Behind the plate, Alejandro Kirk will suit up for Mexico, while third baseman Kazuma Okamoto-one of Toronto’s marquee offseason additions-will represent Japan.
Big Offseason Moves: Cease and Okamoto Arrive
Toronto didn’t sit quietly this winter. The front office made two major splashes that could reshape the roster for years to come.
First came Dylan Cease, the hard-throwing right-hander who inked a seven-year, $210 million deal on December 2. Cease brings frontline stuff to a rotation that was already one of the most formidable in the league. His addition gives Toronto a legitimate ace, a pitcher who can miss bats, eat innings, and anchor the staff deep into October.
Then came Kazuma Okamoto, a two-way threat who can play both third base and right field. The Blue Jays locked him in on January 4 with a four-year, $60 million contract.
Okamoto’s bat brings a new dimension to the lineup-he offers power, plate discipline, and the kind of presence that can change the tone of a game with one swing. His versatility in the field only adds to his value, giving the Jays options as they navigate the long grind of a 162-game season.
Injury Setbacks: Santander, Bieber, and Francis Out
Not everything is sunshine in Dunedin, though. Toronto will open the season without a few key pieces.
Outfielder Antony Santander is headed for labrum surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to miss five to six months. That’s a significant blow to the outfield depth and middle-of-the-order production, as Santander’s bat has been a steady presence in recent years.
On the pitching side, Shane Bieber is dealing with forearm fatigue and won’t be ready to start the season. The Jays will be cautious with his return, knowing how important a healthy Bieber could be down the stretch.
Then there’s Bowden Francis, who will miss the entire 2026 campaign after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery. It’s a tough break for a young arm who was starting to carve out a role on the staff.
Looking Ahead
Despite some early setbacks, there’s a lot to like about where this Blue Jays team is headed. The rotation, now bolstered by Cease, has the potential to be one of the best in baseball.
The lineup, with Guerrero Jr., Okamoto, and a healthy Kirk, should provide plenty of firepower. And with several players getting valuable international reps at the WBC, there’s a chance for others in camp to step up and make their case.
Spring training is always a time for optimism, but for the Blue Jays, it’s more than that-it’s a launching pad for what could be a serious run in 2026. The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting it all together.