Canadian lefty doing everything right while pushing for a call up to the majors

Adam Macko is doing everything in his power to get a call-up to the majors. He's been completely lights out to begin his 2026 tenure down in Triple-A, as he has yet to allow a run while fanning six batters across five and a third innings of relief (through Apr. 11), making an extremely compelling case for a call-up.

The current 21st-ranked prospect in the system was also lights out in the WBC, while wearing the red and white. Although he was eligible to pitch for Team Canada, he was actually born far from North America. He was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, but later moved to Ireland before settling in Alberta. During the WBC, he delivered a dominant performance for Canada, not allowing an earned run while striking out Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber along the way.

Macko making a strong case for early call-up

The six-foot southpaw was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round (216th overall) of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft and was later traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 as part of the package that sent Teoscar Hernández to Seattle.

He’s dealt with injuries during the season, including a forearm issue in 2024, a meniscus tear in 2025, and significant missed time back in 2022. Despite his constant uphill climb, he’s maintained his uniquely developed left-handed delivery. His fastball sits in the low 90s, generally 91 to 95 mph, with average carry and noticeable arm-side run, stemming from his unique delivery. His primary breaking ball is a slider around 80 mph that he can vary in shape and velocity, while also sprinkling in a big curveball in the low 70s with strong depth. He also features an 81 mph changeup that shows heavy arm-side fade.

While the velocity is spotty, the movement across his arsenal and his feel for locating the fastball and slider help everything play a bit faster. After posting a 5.06 ERA in Buffalo last season following a major knee surgery, he finished much stronger and is expected to continue in a bulk role.

The way the early part of the 2026 season is unfolding, Macko could be needed sooner rather than later. The Blue Jays have stability at the back end of the bullpen with arms like Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty, and Tyler Rogers locking down defined roles, but the depth beyond that is bleak. Left-handed options, in particular, are limited. Outside of Fluharty and Joe Mantiply, Brendan Little is currently in Triple-A Buffalo working through struggles after allowing 10 earned runs over just three and two-thirds innings, leaving a clear opening for someone like Macko to step in if he continues to perform.

If Macko keeps it going, a call to Toronto feels inevitable. The opportunity is there, especially with the bullpen lacking left-handed depth. Now it’s just about turning his strong start into something the Blue Jays front office can no longer ignore.