Can the Blue Jays still be competitive without any major additions in 2026?

The Toronto Blue Jays already crossed off one of their biggest question marks this offseason when Shane Bieber elected to exercise his option and remain with the club for 2026. It can't be understated how valuable getting a fully healthy season from Bieber on a $16-million contract is for the Blue Jays and it gives them at least three solid arms to begin 2026 - four if José Berrios comes back fully healthy and returns to his old self.

But with the starting pitching almost completely checked off, and the Blue Jays only losing one bullpen arm in Seranthony Dominguez, the only real question mark is the Blue Jays' lineup.

Now, it's a big question mark as Toronto will be left wondering all winter long whether or not they can bring back shortstop Bo Bichette. But what the Blue Jays proved in September and into October is that this is a team that can remain competitive, even if they make no significant additions from this point forward.

Can the Blue Jays still be competitive without any major additions in 2026?

It is not the ideal blue print as Blue Jays fans would love for their team to not only bring back Bichette, but also be in the market for other upgrades; namely Kyle Tucker, Munetaka Murakami or even Pete Alonso. But the players that are currently under contract for for the Blue Jays gives them a great starting point to have a competitive team right out of the gate.

Infielders

Starting behind the plate, the Blue Jays have one of the best catching tandems in the game. Alejandro Kirk, who should have won a Gold Glove award, and had one of the better offensive seasons by a Blue Jays catcher, will be back as the main man behind the dish. His backup, Tyler Heineman is slated to earn $1 milllion in arbitration this offseason and should be back with Toronto.

The Blue Jays have a relatively strong infield around the diamond on both sides of the ball even, if they lose Bichette. At first base will be a 27-year-old Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who just came off one of the best postseason runs in the history of the game. At second, the Blue Jays can deploy a combination of Ernie Clement, Davis Schneider or another utility / versatile type player along the lines of a Luis Rengifo, or Amed Rosario. Guys who wouldn't be major additions, but certainly are capable when called upon.

They also have a couple of intriguing prospects like Charles McAdoo and Josh Kasevich that could be on the cusp of a call up. All of these players could potentially be backups to Andrés Giménez at shortstop and Addison Barger at third. If one of these players can take over as a legitimate every day second baseman or third baseman it gives the Blue Jays the flexibility of moving Clement to the unoccupied space and letting Barger go to the outfield.

Outfielders

Speaking of the outfield, Barger could be in the mix as an every day guy in right field. He had an up and down season in his first full year in the big leagues. When he was hot, he was one of the best power hitters in the game, smoking 21 home runs and absolutely tearing the cover off the ball. When he was cold, the entire team felt it and his spot in the lineup created a big gap when he couldn't get around on the balls. But that's typical of guys who are still finding their way at the MLB level and he came through with many big hits in the postseason.

Along with Barger, the Blue Jays outfield is set to be comprised of Daulton Varsho in centerfield and a mix of Nathan Lukes, Anthony Santander and George Springer. Joey Loperfido will also be pushing to be a part of this group after hitting .333/.379/.500 in 41 games across several stints in Toronto. Don't forget about Jonatan Clase who showed off some elite speed and glove work in his 34 game cameo earlier in the season.

The big names, Lukes, Santander and Springer will also factor into splitting time as the designated hitter and the latter two will likely be removed in late or close game situations for a more capable defender if they get the start in the outfield.

Pitching

We already touched on the rotation and if the Blue Jays do have a starting four of Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and José Berrios, the internal candidates list for number five guys is deep. It includes guys who are looking to break into the big leagues like Adam Macko, Jake Bloss, Ricky Tiedemann, and Angel Bastardo. There's also a few veterans that would like to take a stab at being in the rotation full time like Eric Lauer, or a recovering Bowden Francis.

Toronto GM Ross Atkins hinted at liking what he saw on the free agent and trade markets when it came to starting pitching, but if the Blue Jays go into camp with these players, it will be a fun battle to see who emerges internally.

Bullpen

As noted, only Dominguez is a free agent out of the group that made up the 'pen in the postseason and the Blue Jays are getting some internal upgrades with Yimi Garcia on the mend. Louis Varland, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty and Yariel Rodriguez established themselves as very useful options throughout the season and Jeff Hoffman was almost perfect in the playoffs....almost. A healthy Nick Sandlin figures into the mix as well, while Paxton Schultz, Kai Peterson are names to keep an eye on in spring.

Overall, the Blue Jays roster feels like the floor is at a very high place as the Winter Meetings begin and it will be up to Atkins to continue to raise the bar as the winter goes on.