2 Blue Jays who have played their way onto the Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

Every year, spring training is a time for players to build up strength and get ready for the season ahead. But for some players, it's also a chance to earn a roster spot for Opening Day.

Following a less-than-stellar 2024 season, the Toronto Blue Jays roster is a bit in flux as we head in 2025. As a result, there have been various bench roles up for grabs in the infield and outfield this spring, as well as their pitching staff.

With Opening Day a little more than a week away, here's a look at two Blue Jays players who have played well enough to earn their spot on the 26-man roster for Opening Day — and two who have likely lost a spot.

2 Blue Jays players who have played their way onto the Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

Ryan Yarbrough is playing himself onto the Opening Day roster

The Jays acquired Yarbrough at the trade deadline last season as the return for giving veteran outfielder Kevin Kiermaier a chance to win a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, Yarbrough — a former Jays’ nemesis — became one of the team’s best players during the final two months of the 2024 season. 

Yarbrough went 1-0 with a stellar 2.01 ERA and 0.80 WHIP while giving up just seven earned runs on 18 hits with 26 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings while working mostly in long relief. But despite those strong stats, the Jays still allowed him to walk into free agency.

Fortunately, the Jays made up for their mistake by inking him to a minor league contract this offseason. That move is paying huge dividends now as Yarbrough has been dynamite this spring, posting a 2-0 record with a tidy 1.69 ERA with zero walks and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

He may not have appeared in as many games as one would like this spring, but his presence on the roster should be a no-brainer after his strong showing last year.