Analyzing the Blue Jays' bullpen options at this point in spring training

The Toronto Blue Jays pulled a huge makeover of their bullpen in the offseason after a disastrous 2024, which led to them having most of the spots set for the upcoming season — until there were some unexpected happenings in recent weeks. Both Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr sustained injuries over the last two weeks, which has opened up some spots in the bullpen prior to Opening Day.

The players who have already locked up a spot likely are Jeff Hoffman, Nick Sandlin Yimi García, Chad Green and Brendon Little (a lefty specialist). Yariel Rodríguez also seems ticketed to the bullpen thanks to how Bowden Francis pitched at the end of last season.

So barring any injuries, the Blue Jays' rotation should consist also of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer and Francis.

Lastly Ryan Yarbrough seems to have a spot sewn up thanks to his strong spring after he was brought back on a minor league deal at the end of February.

So that leaves just one spot that's up for grabs. The Blue Jays already trimmed down the potential candidates when they sent Easton Lucas, Nick Robertson and Adam Macko to the minors, but there's still some players left in camp trying to win that spot.

Analyzing the Blue Jays bullpen options at this point in spring training

Josh Walker

The Jays signed Walker to a one-year contract this offseason after spending his entire career in the New York Mets organization. His career MLB marks of a 6.45 ERA and 1.66 WHIP aren't too attractive, but his career minor league ERA of 3.99 and WHIP of 1.22 is what likely caught the eye of the Jays’ brass.

So far this spring, Walker has posted an 0-1 record with a 4.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, with six strikeouts in six innings of work. His stuff and the strikeout ability are definitely there, but he will need to show a little more consistency going forward.