Brendon Little's start to the 2026 season has been anything but smooth sailing for the Toronto Blue Jays' relief pitcher. Last year's postseason was a rough ride for Little, starting with Game 5 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. He entered with the Jays holding a slim 2-1 lead in the eighth inning, but things quickly unraveled, leading to a 6-2 loss.
Despite the Jays pulling through to win the series, Little's reliability in high-stakes moments took a hit. His struggles continued in the World Series against the LA Dodgers, where he surrendered the game-winning homer in the bottom of the 18th inning during a marathon Game 3.
Fast forward to 2026, and Little still holds a spot in the Blue Jays bullpen. However, his early performances haven't exactly inspired confidence, and fans are starting to voice their concerns.
In Saturday's game against the Athletics, Little was called in during the seventh inning with the score knotted at two. Unfortunately, he allowed two more runners on base before Shea Langeliers launched a grand slam, swinging the game in the Athletics' favor.
The pitch Langeliers knocked out was a tough one, highlighting why Little might have been held back until the 18th inning in last year's World Series. It's been a tough start for him, sparking conversations about whether it's time for a change.
Fans, including Canadian senator Denise Batters, have been vocal on social media, questioning Little's place on the team. Despite the criticism, the Blue Jays managed to rally back, defeating the Athletics 8-7. They carried the momentum into Sunday, securing a 5-2 victory and completing an opening weekend sweep to start their season with a perfect 3-0 record.
For Little, the road ahead is about regaining trust and proving he can be a reliable asset for the Jays as the season unfolds.