Blue Jays lose reliever with intriguing peripherals after Kazuma Okamoto signing

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to raise the bar for the expectations of the looming 2026 season, there is the counter effect of losing players who are sitting on the edges of the roster. With the recent signing of Kazuma Okamoto, Toronto had to make some room on the 40-man roster and they did so by designating RHP Paxton Schultz for assignment.

Blue Jays lose reliever with intriguing peripherals after Kazuma Okamoto signing

The 28-year-old Schultz was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of the 2019 drafted and was traded to the Blue Jays two years later. He didn't have a successful stint as a starter when he racked up a 4.47 ERA in 203.1 innings of Triple-A baseball, but was much better after being sent to the bullpen.

Schultz managed to bring down his walk rate and increased his strikeouts overall, something that carried over to his MLB debut this past season. He had a 25.5% strikeout rate and a 7.3% walk rate in his 24.2 innings in the big leagues. Despite a 4.38 ERA, Schultz showed flashes of potential. His xERA was lower at .3.85 and his xBA was .223, indicating how much his .333 BABIP increased his numbers.

While Shultz's debut was just fine, with potential to get better with more seasoning, he'll likely do so with another organization. With Schultz being DFA'd any other team can claim him on waivers, and he'll likely draw interest considering he's got two minor league options remaining. He became expendable for the Blue Jays thanks to the work the front office has done this year in building up their stockpile of bullpen arms. Tyler Rogers, Chase Lee, and Spencer Miles are the main right handed pitchers that Toronto has added this offseason that figure to be a part of the bullpen mix this season.

The Blue Jays main focus this offseason has been on upgrading the pitching staff. Okamoto is the first big addition to the lineup, but it's still playing an effect on the pitching side of things as Schultz is the player who gets the short end of the stick.