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Myles Straw’s offensive production improved with regular playing time
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Photo credit: © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Cynthia Ryley Delaney
Oct 27, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 27, 2026, 11:06 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays will have a decision to make with Myles Straw this off-season.
In early November, the team will have to decide whether to activate his team option for the 2027 season, where he’ll make $8 million. Even if they decline, there’s still a pathway to bring Straw back on a cheaper deal.
It won’t be the biggest decision they’ll make, nor will it be the most notable transaction, but it is one nonetheless. The big question is whether his 2026 season is worth the Jays bringing back the fifth outfielder.

Myles Straw’s 2026 season

Straw was acquired by the Blue Jays during the 2024-25 off-season. The outfielder had one of his better seasons in his first year with the team, slashing .262/.313/.367 with four home runs in 299 plate appearances. While Straw’s bat was light, basically the story of his career, he provided terrific defence in limited outfield appearances.
Straw’s bat regressed to the mean in 2026. Over 330 plate appearances, the 32-year-old slashed .241/.304/.342 with three home runs and 19 doubles, good for an 83 wRC+ (as opposed to a 91 wRC+ in 2025).
At this point in his career, this is the type of production you’d expect from Straw. He’s hit just 13 home runs in his career and is batting .246/.314/.319 in his 846 career games, good for an 80 wRC+. Straw will give solid at bats and rarely strikes out.
That said, Straw found some success once Daulton Varsho was traded. From August 3rd onwards, the outfielder slashed .277/.348/.387 with 11 doubles in 134 plate appearances, good for a 110 wRC+.
One area of concern was Straw’s dip defensively.  In 698.1 outfield innings in 2025, Straw finished with 18 Defensive Runs Saved, 9 Outs Above Average, and 8 Fielding Run Value. In 760.2 innings in the outfield this past season, Straw only had 2 DRS, 4 OAA, and 3 FRV.
Ultimately, whether the Blue Jays bring back Straw depends on if they believe his defence can rebound. They’ll more than likely decline the player option, especially since the Cleveland Guardians are the hook for the buyout. But bringing him back at a more fitting price point is certainly a possibility.
Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, DFOEdmonton, and DFOCalgary. She can be followed on Twitter @CynthiaRDelaney.
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