3 aging Blue Jays players that deserve a last-chance look

The season is winding down, and the Toronto Blue Jays are fighting for the last Wild Card spot. With a plethora of injuries and poor performances, the team has been forced to bring up 13 prospects for their MLB debuts this season. That’s the second most by in 2026, trailing only the Chicago White Sox.

In September, rosters expand from 26 to 28 players, which makes room for a few minor leaguers. The lack of depth, especially in the pitching staff, could force the Blue Jays to call up a few new faces. However, it gets tricky when considering who to replace on the 40-man roster. To make room, they could designate a player for assignment, release him, or, if he is on the injury list, move him to the 60-day IL.

The Blue Jays have players like Sean Keys, Ricky Tiedemann, Yohendrick Piñango, Davis Schneider, and Chase Lee who are likely to be called up next. However, a few players are on the wrong side of the age range when considering those in the minors. Some aging players in the Blue Jays farm system are running out of time to make an impression.

4 Blue Jays' prospects who are at a make or break point of their careers

Tanner Andrews

Tanner Andrews spent eight seasons in the minors, excluding the 2020 canceled minor-league season. However, he finally got his call to the big leagues on May 25 this year. He pitched in back-to-back games, throwing three innings while allowing one hit and striking out one, but he walked two. Despite the solid outing, Andrews was DFA'd on June 4. After clearing waivers, he elected to return to Triple-A Buffalo.

The 30-year-old has performed well with the Bisons this season, posting a 2.05 ERA over 44 innings with 48 strikeouts and 29 walks. He's collected five wins and is 12-for-12 in save opportunities. Andrews has also held batters to a .195 batting average.

The issue for the righty is his control. He has a 15.3 percent walk rate in Triple-A. This has been a common issue throughout Andrews' professional career, which is likely why he hasn't returned to the Blue Jays. However, Buffalo placed him on the 7-day IL on August 23. An injury wasn't specified, so Andrews' availability down the stretch depends on how he recovers.

Brendan Cellucci

Brendan Cellucci is on the 40-man roster, but he has yet to make his MLB debut. Over 46.2 innings in Triple-A, he has posted a 3.47 ERA and struck out 49 hitters. However, the southpaw also struggled with control, posting a 10.9 percent walk rate. Cellucci has thrown more than an inning in 15 of his 42 games with Buffalo.

The stamina will give the Blue Jays an option for an opener if Jameson Taillon has a setback, or an inning-eater in the middle innings. Cellucci is 28, so not technically an aging player, but the average age for an MLB debut is 25.2 years old this season. So, the lefty is on the wrong side of the age range.

Rudy Martin Jr.

Toronto likes contact bats with speed. Rudy Martin Jr. was in the Kansas City Royals farm system before being DFA'd and claimed by the Orioles on July 20. The Blue Jays claimed him four days later after he was DFA'd again. The speedy outfielder has slashed .272/.393/.397 with 62 runs, 35 knocked in, and nine home runs over 358 plate appearances.

Martin Jr. has also stolen 45 bases, which is what makes him appealing to the Blue Jays. They rank 25th in stolen bases, and only Andrés Giménez and George Springer have double-digit steals. So, another speed threat would be ideal.

The outfield is crowded for Toronto, but along with his speed, Martin Jr. provides another left-handed bat. Brandon Valenzuela, a switch-hitter, is the only lefty option off the bench, which means the backup catcher is being used.

Obviously, other than Cellucci, Andrews and Martin Jr. may be long shots to make their MLB debuts this season. However, they aren't getting any younger, so their window to contribute at the major-league level is shrinking. Even if it’s just one game, these three options can give Toronto depth.

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