Former Blue Jays Jameson Taillon, Yimi García eye returns in 2027
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Nov 4, 2026, 09:30 ESTUpdated: Nov 3, 2026, 23:30 EST
Two former Toronto Blue Jays are planning on pitching in 2027.
Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi is reporting that free agents Jameson Taillon and Yimi García are entering the offseason with the goal of pitching in 2027 after experiencing injury-riddled seasons.
In early October, Taillon underwent flexor surgery with an internal brace procedure to help alleviate arm issues that had troubled since being acquired by the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays acquired Taillon from the Chicago Cubs on August 2, but in his second outing with the club, injuries struck.
On August 10, during a start against the Boston Red Sox, Taillon was removed after throwing four scoreless frames due to right forearm tendinitis, which resulted in him being placed on the 15-day injured list a day later.
Following one rehab outing in Triple-A Buffalo, Taillon returned on September 4 for a start against the Kansas City Royals. During the outing, Taillon lasted only two innings before he was removed with right elbow discomfort, an ailment that forced him back to the 15-day IL, and ultimately ended his season.
In what was the final season of the four-year, $68-million contract Taillon signed with the Cubs on December 19, 2022, the right-hander made 18 starts between Chicago and Toronto. During that span, Taillon went 2-6 with a 5.65 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP.
The 34-year-old holds a lifetime ERA of 3.99 and will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal this winter before proving his health as the 2027 campaign rolls on.
García’s 2026 season was basically a wash from start to finish, as the right-hander failed to appear in a game with the Blue Jays in what was the final year of the two-year, $15-million contract he signed in December 2024.
After opening the season rehabbing from elbow surgery that took place in September 2025, García dealt with various ailments in his return attempt. García spent time in both Single-A with Dunedin and Buffalo, but following an outing on July 25, the 36-year-old never pitched in a game again.
Garcia dealt with a nerve issue following that July 25 appearance, and a month later, on August 25, manager John Schneider announced the reliever underwent thoracic outlet surgery in Dallas.
In 2025, García went 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. García struck out 25 batters across 21 innings and limited opponents to a .171 average. Due to his age and injury history, García will likely be in the market for a minor-league deal as well to prove he is still capable of succeeding in Major League Baseball.
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