New faces and great expectations for 2026 Toronto Blue Jays
CBC
The Toronto Blue Jays came agonizingly close to winning a World Series last fall, and the organization spent the winter tweaking its roster in hopes of getting another shot at post-season glory.
The Jays are counting on a number of new additions — brought in at a collective cost of more than $300 million US in fresh contracts — to give the team the edge it needs to win it all in 2026.
Blue Jays supporters, meanwhile, are not exactly tempering their expectations.
"We're riding in after the World Series expecting another one, and expecting that this will be the World Series we win," says superfan Lesley Mak.
Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training this week — with the Jays starting on Wednesday.
Here's a look at the new and returning faces, as well as a summary of who won't be back.
Infielders Bo Bichette and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and reliever Seranthony Domínguez to start.
Bichette plays for the New York Mets now, after signing a $126-million US, three-year deal. He says he'll have "fond memories" of Toronto, but some observers see a frayed relationship with the hot-hitting infielder.
"It just didn't seem that there was a real appetite on either side for him to come back to Toronto," said Steve McAllister, a veteran sports journalist who sees the Blue Jays needing to find a way to replace Bichette's production at the plate.
The slick-fielding Kiner-Falefa is also leaving Toronto, after reportedly agreeing to terms with the Boston Red Sox.
His exit follows the news of pitcher Domínguez signing a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.
Meanwhile, there's been little said about veteran starter Chris Bassitt, who turns 37 this month and remains unsigned. His agent said Thursday "there is no news to report" about his client.
Veteran starter Max Scherzer, 41, also remains unattached. While the future Hall of Famer has signalled interest in returning, that hasn't happened yet. However, some media reports suggest a reunion is possible. The agency representing him didn't respond to a request for comment on Friday.
The Jays added two new arms to their starting rotation during the off-season — Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.
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