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Blue Jays’ Myles Straw praises Toronto’s market ‘no better place to play baseball’
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Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Oct 5, 2026, 12:14 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays are set to enter a vital offseason as they look to put the disappointment of the 2026 campaign behind them. 
The Blue Jays’ offence struggled mightily, finishing with both the fewest runs and home runs among all 30 teams across the league. With those issues being so prominent, the management group will have to look for upgrades to ensure that the club has the best chance to return to the playoffs next season. 
One player who the Blue Jays will have to make a decision on early in the offseason is outfielder Myles Straw. Five days following the 2026 World Series, the Blue Jays will have to decide whether they pick up Straw’s $8.5-million club option for the 2027 season. 
In his second season with the Blue Jays, Straw appeared in 147 games and batted .241 with three home runs and 26 RBIs. The 31-year-old has the ability to play all three outfield positions and has provided strong defence across his two seasons in Toronto, but while speaking to Lindsay Dunn on the final weekend of the regular season, Straw admitted there is some uncertainty about what may happen. 
“This place is amazing. I’ll be soaking it in today, obviously because you never know with this game what’s going to happen,” Straw said. “Obviously, this could be my last game here, but I hope not. This place is amazing and there’s no better place to play baseball in my opinion. I hope I finish playing my baseball career here.” 
One Blue Jay who will be back next season is third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto just completed the first season of the four-year, $60-million contract he signed in January and impressed with his ability to adjust to pitching in the majors. 
Okamoto appeared in 156 games and batted .232 with 33 home runs and 92 RBIs, both being team highs. While there was a lot of swing and miss in the 30-year-old’s game, Okamoto was often the lone Blue Jay to pose a threat to opposing teams’ pitchers. 
“You try to put yourself in his shoes and he’s coming from a country that’s far away and completely different,” Straw said. “I just tried to make him feel comfortable and he turned out to be a hilarious guy and great teammate. He’s just a fun guy to be around and I’m glad he’s with the Blue Jays.”
During the final game of the regular season, George Springer was removed to a standing ovation in what could be his final game in a Blue Jays uniform. Signed to a six-year, $150-million contract in January 2021, Springer became a fan favourite during his time in Toronto and has put together a strong 13-year career. 
Teammates in both Toronto and Houston, Straw touched on the impact Springer has had on his career to this point. 
“George took care of me. He was the guy that bought me clothes when I was a rookie, so George has always been special to me,” Straw said. “He leads by example and is always doing the right thing. I’m super happy for his career and we all love him.”
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