The Toronto Blue Jays 2025 season was one for the ages.

At the beginning of spring training they hadn’t signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to an extension and the thought of trading the star slugger, and all of the team’s other pending free agents, became a real possibility.

It appeared the Guerrero – Bo Bichette era was going to end quietly.

But we know what happened; the Jays and Guerrero were able to make a deal. Toronto ended up tied with the Yankees with the best record in the American League and won the division due to a tiebreaker. They then went on to beat the Yankees 3-1 in the ALDS. Then, in an epic battle against Seattle, the Blue Jays won the AL Pennant with a dramatic Game 7 win. They played in one of the greatest World Series ever against the Los Angeles Dodgers, ultimately losing in the 11th inning of Game 7.

It was a bittersweet ending and one that could lead to a hangover effect. But the organization did not curl up and lick its wounds. Instead, the front office attacked. The Jays made it clear they were not resting on their laurels.

They moved quickly in the off-season to sign starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year $210 million deal. They went on to add Cody Ponce, a versatile pitcher who reinvented himself in the KBO and was the league’s MVP in 2025. They signed veteran righty reliever Tyler Rogers as well to fortify the bullpen. Then came the big signing of Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto to play third base, which brought the Bichette era to an end in Toronto.

I went to Jays camp in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday, anxious to feel the energy of the team. I left feeling overwhelmingly positive about this club.

The camaraderie that we all saw last year is stronger than ever. As players and staff digested the run to the World Series, they all came away with tremendous respect and admiration for one another. There is no head-hanging in their clubhouse, just looks of determination. They are continuing to do the work. They know they are good.

The experienced gained by the great October performance has made them all stand a bit taller. The new additions have given the players a belief that they are a better team that can win more and compete with anyone.

I agree with them. The 2026 Blue Jays are a better team than they were in 2025.

Promising pitching depth

Players rave about the electric stuff of Cease and Ponce. There is an acknowledgement that the bullpen is better because the starting pitching depth will push an arm or two to the pen. Plus, there is real excitement for a healthy Yimi Garcia.

There was a buzz in camp when word spread that the Jays were bringing back Max Scherzer. Scherzer had an impact on everyone last season with his experience and tenacity.

But the signing does raise the question: Where will everyone pitch?

The Jays have Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Eric Lauer, Scherzer, Cease and Ponce. That is eight starting pitchers for five rotation spots.

Enough people pointed out that Ponce is a versatile guy who can start or be a swingman. Lauer served effectively in that role last year and will likely do it again this year. Since Bieber (arm fatigue) and Scherzer (signed late) won’t likely be ready to start the season on the active roster, we could see Ponce or Lauer begin the year as a starter and then transition to the pen.

A look at the lineup

Based upon my conversations in Jays’ camp on Thursday, I expect the following:

The infield will include Vladdy at first base, Ernie Clement at second base, Andres Gimenez as the shortstop, and Kazuma Okamoto at third base.

Players and staff were quick to say how impressed they are by Okamoto. He will be “more than adequate” at third base. There is a real belief that he will not just be a good hitter but an “excellent hitter.” He has tremendous pitch recognition and great hand-eye coordination. He was described as a “contact power hitter.” Okamoto hit 30 or more homers in six seasons in Japan. Plus, his personality is a breath of fresh air. His sense of humour was referenced by more than couple of people.

Okamoto’s signing has pushed Addison Barger primarily to right field, although he will still play some third base. Barger doesn’t mind where he plays at all. He just wants to play.

Daulton Varsho will roam centre field and some combination of Jesus Sanchez, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider will handle left field.

From what I was able to gather, Schneider looks to have a safe spot on the roster as he is also the only backup infielder (with Barger). Sanchez is making $6.8 million, and Straw is making $7 million, so they are locks for roster spots. Lukes has an option left, which could unfortunately mean that he starts the year in Triple-A. That would be a tough pill for Lukes to swallow, considering he was batting second in the World Series last fall.

George Springer will be almost exclusively the DH and he made it very clear he loves playing that role he calls the “Offensive Player” instead.

Alejandro Kirk will be backed up by Tyler Heineman again behind the plate.

Decisions to come

With the Jays’ significant starting pitching and outfield depth, there could be a trade or two that could unfold at the end of Spring Training.

Multiple people raved about outfielder/DH Eloy Jimenez, who is in camp on a minor-league deal. He is crushing the ball at the plate and is in the best shape of his career. It seems that it would be difficult to maneuver the roster in a way to fit him in, but he could force the issue if he keeps hitting.

The Jays have some good problems with too many good players and not enough spots for them all.

One complication this spring is that the Jays are losing their catcher (Kirk) and entire infield (Guerrero, Clement, Gimenez and Okamoto) to the World Baseball Classic. It will allow playing opportunities for others to showcase their talents but it will make team building a bit of a rush job later in March. The good thing is, that this is already as solid a team as there is.

Finally, all of the guys miss Bichette but they understand the business of baseball and that Bo needed to do what was right for his family. Guerrero reminisced about the fact that he and Bichette played together since he was 17. He said Bichette “will always be his brother, no matter what.”

The 2026 Jays are getting warmed up in Dunedin to once again take on all foes in Toronto. I believe they are up to the challenge.