As Spring Training wraps up, the Toronto Blue Jays are in the thick of roster battles with the 2026 MLB season just around the corner. Players are putting in their final efforts to secure a spot on the 26-man roster, but making the cut now doesn't promise a season-long stay. The roster remains fluid, and underperformance could lead to changes by May.
Opening Day Hopefuls at Risk
P Tommy Nance
Tommy Nance, brought in from the Padres in 2024, shone in the Blue Jays bullpen last year, boasting a 1.99 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 31.1 innings. However, he mainly pitched in low-pressure situations, raising doubts about his ability to handle high-stakes moments. This uncertainty saw him left off the postseason roster after the ALDS.
This spring, Nance has struggled, posting a 6.75 ERA over 5.1 innings. With no minor league options left, the Blue Jays might start the season with him on the roster to avoid losing him for nothing. But if his performance doesn’t improve, his stay might be short-lived.
INF Leo Jiménez
Leo Jiménez, a long-time Blue Jays prospect, has yet to make a significant impact at the major league level. Over 81 games, he has a .207 average and a .635 OPS.
This spring hasn’t seen much improvement, with a .235 average in nine games. While his defense is solid, his batting needs to step up to secure his spot.
Like Nance, Jiménez is also out of options.
Rule 5 Draftees: P Angel Bastardo and P Spencer Miles
The Blue Jays picked up Angel Bastardo and Spencer Miles in the Rule 5 Drafts. Bastardo, sidelined last year, and Miles are both vying for a roster spot.
Miles has shown flashes with a 4.05 ERA and nine strikeouts but has struggled with control. Bastardo, showcasing a high-90s fastball, has a 3.18 ERA but also faces command issues.
Losing these promising arms without a proper shot would be tough, especially after the team gambled on veterans like Richard Lovelady and Jacob Barnes last year despite their spring struggles. Expect Bastardo and/or Miles to get a chance to prove themselves, but they’ll need to deliver to stick around.