Blue Jays: Projecting the Buffalo Bisons 2022 Roster

Jun 1, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; A general view of Sahlen Field before a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; A general view of Sahlen Field before a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blue Jays
Apr 23, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher David Phelps (35) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Bullpen: David Phelps, Matt Gage, Abdiel Mendoza, Kyle Johnston, Jackson Rees, Fitz Stadler, Shaun Anderson, Graham Spraker

Predicting an MLB bullpen is difficult, let alone a AAA bullpen. Nevertheless, here are eight separate pitchers who could seem time in the Bisons arm barn. There’s obviously some MLB experience here, as David Phelps is the standout and has had the most success. Shaun Anderson threw some innings for Padres, Orioles, and Twins in 2021. While he couldn’t stick with a single organization, he thrived while pitching in AAA, posting a 2.70 ERA across 23.1 innings.

Stepping away from the Major League arms for a second, there are two right-handers who have yet to pitch a major league inning, but their time should come soon. Jackson Rees and Graham Spraker are two pitchers I’d imagine the Blue Jays plan on utilizing at some point in 2022. Rees’s hype comes from an other-worldly 2019 season across A and High A. Amassing a 0.73 ERA throughout 61.2 innings is truly spectacular, and he followed that up with a solid 8.1 innings in the Arizona Fall League. Unfortunately, the COVID season and an injury shortened 2021 has derailed his development. Continued health and innings for Rees would be huge in 2022.

Graham Spraker has been pitching in the minors since 2017. In 2021 he rode a breakout season in AA New Hampshire, where he pitched to a 2.74 ERA across 42.2 innings, to an appearance in the Arizona Fall League. He was borderline un-hittable in this premier league, as he didn’t allow a run in 11.1 innings while keeping a SO/9 north of 13.

Both of these young arms, plus the veteran additions, will all be available to help the Blue Jays down the line. Innings and health will be crucial for this group.