The American League champions were only supposed to have one bullpen spot open, but they'll have at least two - and maybe three.
Throughout much of the offseason, we've operated under the premise that the Toronto Blue Jays had only one true bullpen opening heading into 2026.
It was our assumption that Jeff Hoffman, Yimi Garcia, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Mason Fluharty, Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer would take up seven of the eight spots.
Well, that plan has been altered just days into spring training.
Let's dive in.
More roster spots open
With news that Shane Bieber will have to start the year on the injured list because of forearm fatigue, it's highly likely that Berrios is set to move back into the starting rotation at the beginning of the season.
That means there are at least two openings in the bullpen, and there could be three, as Garcia is not a lock to be ready by Opening Day. Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports the club will be cautious in his recovery from Sept. scar tissue surgery.
About the candidates
Yariel Rodriguez was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier this offseason, but this could be his way back onto the 40-man.
Rodriguez went 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA in 66 games last season, striking out 66 batters in 73.0 innings. He helped the Jays reach the World Series and was on the playoff roster for the American League Division Series and ALCS before being removed prior to the World Series. The team signed him to a five-year deal worth more than $30 million before the 2024 season, so they still have money tied up in him.
Braydon Fisher went 7-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 2025, striking out 62 batters in 50.0 innings. Left-hander Brendon Little will also have an opportunity to serve as a third lefty in the 'pen. Tommy Nance and Spencer Miles will get opportunities, as will Angel Bastardo.
There is also still the chance that Toronto could sign an additional arm if it feels it needs it.
Other things to note
--Berrios reportedly apologized to his teammates for leaving them during the World Series. He addressed the matter on Thursday, saying he was not unhappy at being left off the World Series roster.
--The Blue Jays defeated Lauer in a very interesting arbitration case. Here's what happened and here's how much money he will make in 2026. It's his final year before free agency and he figures to play an important role once more. He tossed more than 100 innings last season.
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