For some baseball players, Spring Training is an opportunity to gradually get back into the swing of things—literally and figuratively. For others, however, it’s a pressure-packed audition to make the MLB roster.
Here’s who falls into the latter category in Blue Jays camp and has the most to lose with the regular season around the corner.
José Berrios
Berrios was a topic of conversation all offseason for several reasons. Now, after an ineffective 2025 that ended in personal controversy, he doesn’t appear to be guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation despite his extensive track record.
The Blue Jays have several higher-ceiling options than Berríos on paper. All signs point to the best five starting pitchers getting the rotation spots once everyone is healthy, and Berríos’ uphill climb to prove he’s one of them has already begun.
Once Scherzer deal is complete, Blue Jays will have a number of proven SP options for first several weeks of the season:
Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Eric Lauer
John Schneider on making the pieces fit: pic.twitter.com/UUaiuEbh0f
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Yariel Rodríguez
Rodríguez appears to be on the outside looking in after starting last season as a fixture in the Blue Jays’ bullpen. The team designated him for assignment in December, and now re-adding him to the 40-man roster would require kicking someone else off.
Whatever issues derailed Rodríguez’s 2025 season at the end don’t appear to have gone away. He has already allowed seven earned runs in just 1 ⅔ innings pitched so far in spring training. His time in Toronto could be over, barring a sharp turnaround.
Tommy Nance
Nance is another relief arm in a precarious position. He recorded an excellent 1.99 ERA in 2025 over his 30 appearances—most of which were in low-leverage situations. Nance never seemed to crack the circle of trust, thus putting his future into question.
The key variable here is that Nance is out of minor-league options. If the Blue Jays decide they would prefer to carry one of their Rule 5 guys, like hard-thrower Spencer Miles, it could mean losing Nance in the process. He likely opens the season in Toronto, but a rough spring could change that.
Nathan Lukes
Lukes was an invaluable part of the 2025 Blue Jays, yet already appears squeezed for playing time heading into this season. Newcomer Jesús Sánchez looks as if he’ll begin the season ahead of him in the pecking order for at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
A strong spring training could force the Blue Jays to reconsider their plan. Conversely, Lukes could cement his place as a backup with an underwhelming showing. He needs to put his best foot forward.
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