The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for their season opener, and it looks like there's just one bullpen spot left to fill. With Jeff Hoffman set to close, and Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland in setup roles, the middle relief is shaping up with Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Tommy Nance, and Brendon Little. But who will snag that final spot?
Yimi García is expected to eventually claim it, and Eric Lauer might return to the bullpen once José Berríos, Shane Bieber, or Trey Yesavage come off the injured list. Until then, the competition is heating up.
Two Rule 5 draftees, Angel Bastardo and Spencer Miles, are in the mix. Bastardo, picked in 2024, missed last season, while Miles was selected in December.
If they don't make the cut, they'll head back to their original teams, the Red Sox and Giants, respectively. Both have struggled in Spring Training, but they bring potential and bullpen length, which the Jays need.
Bastardo would need to stay on the roster for 90 days, while Miles has to be there all season.
Chase Lee is a strong contender, boasting big league experience and a scoreless six and one-third innings this season. Despite a lower strikeout rate this spring, Lee’s past performance keeps him in the conversation. With options available, he might still be on the bubble.
The Jays also have several non-roster invitees to consider, including Jorge Alcala, Tanner Andrews, Chad Dallas, Nate Garkow, Josh Fleming, Ryan Jennings, Joe Mantiply, Michael Plassmeyer, Yariel Rodríguez, and Jesse Hahn. Among them, Rodríguez, Hahn, Mantiply, and Plassmeyer stand out.
Rodríguez, despite a rough World Baseball Classic and Spring Training, has been part of the big league team before. Mantiply, a former All-Star, is looking to bounce back with a solid 3 ERA this spring.
Hahn, returning from injury, has shown resilience, but his Spring Training numbers are mixed. Fleming, with significant game time this spring, offers experience but has had middling results.
My sleeper pick? Michael Plassmeyer.
This lefty has impressed with a 3.38 ERA and a 25 K% in Spring Training. His ability to avoid walks and offer bullpen length makes him a compelling option for the Jays.
As the Blue Jays finalize their roster, fans should keep an eye on these contenders. The decision could impact the bullpen's dynamics as the season unfolds.