Blue Jays: Players who could be dropped before Opening Day

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 17: Ryan Borucki #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays on the mound in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 17, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 17: Ryan Borucki #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays on the mound in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 17, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 23: Ryan Borucki #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 23, 2021 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Blue Jays 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Ryan Borucki

Southpaw Ryan Borucki enters this season in unfamiliar territory, as he enters arbitration for the first time in his career but is also out of minor league options. Making a strong debut back in 2018, Borucki started 17 games for the club and pitched to a 3.87 ERA with 67 strikeouts. He missed most of the 2019 campaign with elbow/arm injuries and was moved to the bullpen for 2020.

The Illinois product bounced back with a strong campaign to the tune of a 2.70 ERA through 21 relief appearances but struggled in 2021, 13 earned runs through 23.1 innings of work that was split between AAA and the MLB while also hitting the 60-day IL with a flexor strain.

Heading into 2022, Borucki is not guaranteed a spot in the bullpen for Opening Day, especially after the recent addition of left-hander Andrew Vasquez. Alongside Borucki is Tim Mayza (who is considered more of a lock to make the active roster) while southpaws Kirby Snead and Tayler Saucedo are also looking to make the roster this year. Factor in right-handers like Julian Merryweather, Trent Thornton, David Phelps, and Anthony Castro also looking to make the team come Opening Day and the competition is at an all-time high, and that’s not including any potential signings over the next few weeks.

If Borucki does not make the active roster, he has to be DFA’d and I would be surprised if a team doesn’t take a flyer on him through waivers.