Despite falling out of favour in many pitching categories last season, the Blue Jays defied the odds and made a miraculous regular-season and playoff run, proving that they are a legitimate contender. However, with many pitching talents entering free agency this winter, Toronto’s front office has to remain aggressive in bolstering the pitching depth.

Without Chris Bassitt, Seranthony Dominguez and Max Scherzer in the picture, here’s the state of the Blue Jays’ pitching staff and what they need to build a stronger team for the 2026 season.

The Blue Jays’ starting pitching has taken a hit, especially after Bassitt and Scherzer’s departures, with the team ranking only 16th in starting pitching depth, according to Fangraphs. While Shane Bieber’s contract opt-in this winter helped fill some holes in the rotation, the Blue Jays still need to find at least one reliable, workhorse-type starter to stabilize the pitching staff with the current open fifth spot.

As of now, the Blue Jays’ projected rotation for 2026 would feature Shane Bieber, José Berríos, Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage, given their dependable performances in the past year. The team will most likely add at least one more starting pitcher, but before that signing takes place, Bowden Francis–so long as he can return from his long injury stint– and Eric Lauer will be given a chance to prove their spot in the rotation.

Yesavage will still be a wild card, since he is still young in his big league career and may have to move up and down the minors or the bullpen, depending on how his performance unfolds in 2026. The best-case scenario for the Blue Jays would be bringing in at least one consistent starter, such as Dylan Cease or Ranger Suarez, this offseason, to strengthen their starting pitching depth.

The crucial thing to remember regarding this depth chart is that Fangraphs count Jake Bloss, Adam Macko, Ricky Tiedemann and Louis Varland as potential starters as well. But the likelihood of these three players getting a start next season isn’t high, which would further highlight the need for the Blue Jays to add more pitching. Bloss is on the IL to start the campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and Varland likely heads back to the bullpen next campaign. Macko and Tiedemann are surely in the running, but they also have to fend off Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis for that rotation spot if the Jays don’t add another arm.

If the Jays do add a pitcher, it should be good with the ground balls. This past season, the Blue Jays’ starters struggled with their HR/9, and heading into 2026, this rotation would have to figure out how to decrease this rate and whether they can add someone who has an already low HR/9 to complement the current starting roster.

Interestingly, the Blue Jays’ relief pitching is in a much better position compared to starting pitching, even after losing Dominguez to free agency. Currently, the Blue Jays rank eighth in relief pitching depth, and this is mainly because the team has many good, reliable relievers on paper.

Some of the notable names here are Jeff Hoffman, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Yimi García, Lauer (should he be moved to the bullpen), and Varland. There are also Justin Bruihl,  Brendon Little, Tommy Nance and Yariel Rodríguez, who have contributed to the Blue Jays’ successful run this year more or less, despite their somewhat unreliable outings in the past.

Still, bullpen performance changes in a dime and the previous year’s performance doesn’t always carry over to the future years. Relievers are volatile because of their limited appearances and skill sets, indicating that the Blue Jays can’t be complacent about boosting their bullpen this offseason.

Fangraphs’ depth chart also counts pitchers, like Angel Bastardo, Easton Lucas, and Paxton Schultz, who may not necessarily earn the opportunity to regularly contribute in the big leagues next year. Excluding these names from the chart, the Blue Jays are in a more vulnerable position in terms of relief pitching depth, especially considering the inherent volatility of any bullpens and potential injuries that will surely follow.

The free-agent market for relief pitching presents many solid and experienced relievers this winter.

The Blue Jays will have more options this time around as they continue to evaluate their fit with stars like Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley, Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, and Devin Williams. There are also many mid-level relievers like Shawn Armstrong, Andrew Chafin, Danny Coulombe, Kyle Finnegan, Emilio Pagan and Hoby Milner, which offers more options for the front office to make an under-the-radar deal to boost the bullpen.

Relief pitching may not be the biggest priority out of all the priorities for the Blue Jays, but ensuring the depth here this offseason will go a long way.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code JAYSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)