For a few seasons, the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t have a key reliever come out of nowhere.
That changed in the 2025 season, as Braydon Fisher became one of their most important relievers. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Fisher was traded to the Blue Jays in mid-June 2024 for the recently DFA’ed Cavan Biggio.
Fisher truly came out of nowhere when his contract was selected on May 7. In 50 innings pitched last season, the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher had a 2.70 ERA and 3.02 FIP, with an impressive 30.7 K% and 9.4 BB%.
What’s more impressive was his numbers when pitching out of the bullpen. In 48.2 innings pitched in relief, Fisher had a 1.85 ERA and 2.46 FIP, with a 31.6 K% and 9.3 BB%. Five of the 15 earned runs he gave up in 2025 came in the only start he made last season in what was a bullpen game.
Fisher earned Rookie of the Year votes, finishing 10th in voting. Unfortunately, he didn’t pitch as well in the postseason, as he gave up five earned runs in seven innings of work for a 6.43 ERA and 5.71 FIP. Two of those runs came in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, a 10-3 loss, while he also gave up two earned runs in the Blue Jays’ 11-4 victory in Game 1 of the World Series when it was already well out of reach.
With the signing of Tyler Rogers last Friday, the Blue Jays’ bullpen will have a lot of competition. In a world where everyone is healthy, you can expect Jeff Hoffman, Yimi García, Louis Varland, Rogers, and Brendon Little to have guaranteed spots in the bullpen, leaving three spots available.
Things get more complicated with two longmen in Eric Lauer and José Berríos/Cody Ponce, while Tommy Nance is out of options and would need to be designated for assignment if the Jays wish to place him in the minors. Add in the fact that the Jays are currently carrying two relievers who are Rule 5 picks in Angel Bastardo and Spencer Miles, and someone deserving isn’t making the bullpen on Opening Day if everyone is healthy.
Despite Fisher pitching as well as he did in 2025, he’s not quite a lock for the 2026 roster as he has options. He absolutely should be given he was arguably the Blue Jays’ best reliever in 2025, but such is life as a pitcher with option years. This also applies to Mason Fluharty and Chase Lee, the latter was acquired last Friday as well.
That said, I’m assuming he’ll more than likely make the Opening Day roster and if he doesn’t, Fisher will absolutely pitch for the Jays in 2026. You can expect him to pitch in some medium leverage, and he could potentially receive more high-leverage opportunities than he did last season.
Fisher will be an important reliever for the Blue Jays in 2026.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.