Blue Jays outright reliever Nick Sandlin
Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025, 07:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 15, 2025, 06:34 EST
The Toronto Blue Jays have opened up a roster spot.
On Friday, the Blue Jays’ transaction log noted that Nick Sandlin has been outrighted, meaning he’s cleared waivers and is off the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster.
The Blue Jays acquired Sandlin and Andrés Giménez in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians last December, in exchange for Spencer Horwitz and Nick Mitchell. Sandlin missed most of the season, only appearing in 19 games where he threw 16.1 innings, finishing the season with a 2.20 ERA and 4.60 FIP. His final appearance of the season came in early July, and Sandlin struggled with walks when healthy.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Sandlin was eligible for arbitration, as he was projected to earn $2 million this off-season. Because Sandlin has more than three years of service time, he can reject the outright and become a free agent, such as what Robinson Piña did earlier this off-season. It’s unclear what his decision will be, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Sandlin pursue free agency.
By outrighting Sandlin, the Blue Jays now have three spots open on their 40-man roster. This is important, as Nov. 18 is the final date to add players to the 40-man roster to protect them from the aforementioned Rule 5 draft.
There are a handful of interesting names that the Blue Jays could add to the 40-man roster before the deadline. One player who’ll surely be added is Ricky Tiedemann, who has been one of the Blue Jays’ top prospects since they drafted him in the third round of the 2021 draft. Other players who could be protected are Josh Kasevich, Riley Tirotta, Yonhendrick Piñango, Victor Arias, T.J. Brock, and Yondrei Rojas.
Whatever happens, the Blue Jays will need to add a couple of high-leverage arms this off-season. On Friday, it was reported that the team had already spoken to Edwin Díaz’s camp, with plenty of other rumours popping up.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.