The Toronto Blue Jays boast one of MLB‘s most complete rosters entering the 2026 season. With a lineup led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, the Blue Jays also have one of baseball’s best starting pitching rotations after signing Dylan Cease to complement Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber.
If there was one area Toronto was less than stellar in 2025, it was the bullpen. Ranking 15th in reliever ERA with a 3.98 mark, the Blue Jays blew 23 saves last season as nailing down late leads was not always a guarantee. In fact, this plagued them all the way to Game 7 of the World Series when closer Jeff Hoffman surrendered a game-tying home run to Miguel Rojas with Toronto two outs from a title.
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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) makes a pitching change at Rogers Centre. © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
(© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)
Toronto’s bullpen suffered a setback on Friday when setup man Yimi Garcia revealed he will not be ready for Opening Day. Undergoing elbow surgery in September, Garcia had previously hoped to be ready when Toronto opened its regular season on March 27 against the Athletics (via Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet). But that plan has since changed.
“At least one spot is up for grabs as Yimi Garcia said Friday that he is ‘a little behind’ in his progression and will ‘one hundred per cent’ not be ready for opening day,” Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported.
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This is unfortunate news for the Blue Jays, as Garcia owns a career 3.61 ERA and projects to be a big piece in 2026. That said, there are some options in free agency if Toronto wants to fill this void externally.
Michael Kopech Remains Unsigned After Solid Dodgers Run
Near the top of the list of remaining free agents is hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech. The 2014 first round pick made 14 appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, posting a 2.45 ERA and striking out 12 batters in 11 innings pitched.
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The walks are an issue for Kopech, as he surrendered 13 free passes to inflate a 1.73 WHIP, but he has a live arm and the ability to strand runners. He is an option for the Blue Jays or other teams looking for bullpen depth.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech (45)Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner-Imagn Images)Tommy Kahnle Could Give Blue Jays Bullpen Depth
A much different profile than Kopech, 36-year-old changeup specialist Tommy Kahnle is unsigned as Spring Training games begin. He spent last season with the Detroit Tigers, and was on the mound when their season ended in extra innings of ALDS Game 5 against the Seattle Mariners.
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While he is less effective than he used to be, Kahnle throws strikes and eats innings, making 66 appearances for Detroit last season. His 4.43 ERA was unimpressive, but he is just one season removed from a 2.11 ERA with the New York Yankees in 2024.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tommy Kahnle© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Some other remaining free agent relief pitchers include Jose Leclerc, Luke Jackson, Scott McGough, Danny Coulombe, Justin Wilson, Miguel Castro, Jalen Beeks, Erasmo Ramirez, Chad Green, Tyler Matzek, Kenta Maeda, Giovanny Gallegos, Buck Farmer, Anthony DeSclafani, Scott Alexander and Jorge López.
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If the Blue Jays feel their internal options are better suited to fill Garcia’s absence than anyone on this list, they could stay the course and wait for his return. But his spot will need to be filled by someone on Opening Day.
Related: Blue Jays Facing Decision After Max Scherzer Report
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.