logo
The Blue Jays should still add another relief pitcher this offseason
alt
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Jan 10, 2026, 11:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 10, 2026, 10:28 EST
Comments
If the 2026 season started today, the Toronto Blue Jays would be well-positioned to compete for a World Series title — but adding another reliever would certainly help. 
The 2025 squad came within two outs of winning it all before Jeff Hoffman blew the save in the ninth inning of Game 7. Most of the biggest bumps on the road to that point were also bullpen-related, usually in the form of a costly home run in a big spot. 
The Blue Jays bolstered their current group by signing Tyler Rogers, who has been one of baseball’s best—and wackiest—relievers for years. Yimi García will also be back after missing much of last season. Still, it’s hard to consider the team’s bullpen as one of its strengths. 
The absence of an experienced left-hander is a glaring problem. Eric Lauer is more likely to work in a swing-man role rather than in high-leverage situations. Brendon Little can’t be trusted after his meltdown in the second half. Mason Fluharty, meanwhile, could seize the top lefty job, but would probably benefit from some healthy competition. 
What the Blue Jays really need is another high-velocity arm. Louis Varland is the only reliever on the roster who can dial his fastball up to triple digits. Seranthony Domíguez fit the bill after being acquired at the trade deadline, and he remains a free agent in need of a home. Reuniting with Domínguez would certainly make sense at the right price. 
Now is the time for the Blue Jays’ front office to be opportunistic. There are still plenty of relievers on the board, and some of them will wind up taking inexpensive deals. 
Michael Kopech is a name to watch as far as hard-throwing righties are concerned. Injuries limited him to just 11 innings this past season, but his fastball averaged 97.5 mph when he did pitch. He was great in 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A “prove-it” deal with a contender like the Blue Jays to re-establish his value might be appealing. 
Danny Coulombe and Andrew Chafin are two left-handers the Blue Jays should keep tabs on. Coulombe doesn’t throw hard but owns a career 3.35 ERA, has been excellent since 2023, and has experience pitching in the AL East. Chafin is a reliable veteran who recorded an impressive 2.41 ERA and 9.6 K/9 in 2025. Both would help the Blue Jays handle the likes of Roman Anthony and Gunnar Henderson as they defend their division crown. 
So, while the Blue Jays probably won’t spend meaningful cash on another reliever—especially with an impact bat still on their radar —they shouldn’t close the door on value deals. Adding any of these arms to a cheap one-year contract would level up their bullpen. 

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER

Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.

Featured

Editorials

Breaking News