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Blue Jays 2026 40-man Roster Review: Angel Bastardo is one of many relievers fighting for a spot in Toronto’s bullpen
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Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck - Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Feb 5, 2026, 19:15 ESTUpdated: Feb 5, 2026, 19:55 EST
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The big question entering Spring Training is which relievers will earn the last few spots up for grabs.
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual 40-man roster review ahead of the new season. If you missed the most recent article, we looked at Nathan Lukes. In this article, we’ll look at Angel Bastardo.
There’s going to be fierce competition for two or three spots in the Jays bullpen to begin the season. Three players will need to make the Opening Day roster or else be waived: Tommy Nance (out of options), Spencer Miles, and Bastardo. The latter two are Rule 5 selections from the last two drafts.
Bastardo was selected in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, but missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Originally signing with the Boston Red Sox, he spent five seasons in their organization, posting a 4.68 ERA and 4.16 FIP in 119.1 innings pitched during the 2023 season. After just 10 starts in 2024, Bastardo required surgery, missing the rest of the year.
Due to missing the entirety of the 2025 season as well, Bastardo has to spend just 90 days on the Blue Jays 26-man roster to satisfy his Rule 5 eligibility, but that’s easier said than done given the competition in the bullpen. He hasn’t pitched in a year and a half, and while originally set to represent the Blue Jays in the 2025 Arizona Fall League, he was pulled out before it started.
There’s a lot to like Bastardo. His best pitch by far is his changeup, which grades as a 60 according to Fangraphs’ 2026 update. His fastball is strong as well, sitting in the mid-90s and touches 97 mph as a starter. Once he gets reps in the bullpen, it’s not hard to imagine that velocity ticking up. Control and throwing his slider for strikes are two areas he’ll need to work on.
All that being said, it’s hard to see both Miles and Bastardo making the Opening Day roster. If either (or both) don’t, they’ll have to clear waivers. If they do, then they’ll be offered back to their original team (San Francisco Giants for Miles) for just $50,000.
It’ll be interesting to see how Bastardo performs once Spring Training begins, because he has the potential to become a useful reliever.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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