The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a season in which they finished one win short of a World Series title, and the club is using spring training to evaluate every part of the roster.
Much of the core remains intact, but the infield still presents questions. Longtime All‑Star shortstop Bo Bichette left for the New York Mets in free agency, and while Toronto added Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto to replace him, it is unclear whether he can match Bichette’s production.
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The Blue Jays also want to test additional infield options in case injuries arise, making organizational depth a priority. With expectations high after last year’s run, Toronto is focused on finding the right combinations before opening day.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)
One of those potential options, however, is no longer in the picture. Toronto recently agreed to a one‑year, $3 million contract with veteran starter Max Scherzer, a deal that includes up to $10 million in performance incentives.
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With Scherzer returning, the Blue Jays needed to clear a spot on the 40‑man roster. That move became public on Sunday when the team announced on X that infielder Ben Cowles had been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs.
The timing of the DFA was not immediately clear, but the transaction opens up the necessary space for Scherzer’s addition to become official.
Cowles’ stay in Toronto was brief, as he was at camp with the Jays for just under two weeks. The 26‑year‑old utility infielder has bounced between several organizations over the last two seasons and has yet to make his MLB debut.
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He spent time in the Yankees, Cubs, White Sox and Blue Jays systems, showing defensive versatility across the infield and above‑average speed, but his offensive numbers at Triple‑A have been underwhelming.
Last year at the Triple‑A level, Cowles posted a .235 batting average, .300 on‑base percentage, a .671 OPS, nine home runs and 49 RBIs. Toronto initially viewed him as a depth option who could compete for a bench role or serve as insurance at shortstop and second base, but the Scherzer signing forced the club to make a difficult roster decision.
The Blue Jays will now continue evaluating their internal infield options as camp progresses. With a championship‑caliber roster and expectations higher than ever, Toronto’s ability to build reliable depth behind its superstars could play a major role in determining how far the club goes in 2026.
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Related: Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage News Emerges Amid Spring Training
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.