Latest comments hint Blue Jays rotation seems poised for free agent change

The Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation has been a bit up and down so far in 2025. They've gotten solid starts to the season from Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt, an okay start from José Berríos, a rough start from Bowden Francis, and next to nothing from the fifth spot in the rotation.

But, according to new comments from general manger Ross Atkins, it seems like there could be changes afoot for Toronto's starting pitchers.

It sounds like the Blue Jays are ready to address their starting rotation

On Friday, Atkins spoke to the team's beat before the start of Toronto's series finale with the Guardians, where he spoke at length about the team's starting rotation, where he said that the team has "a couple of things in the works" in regard to additions to the MLB roster.

He also said that team considers starting pitching prospect Jake Bloss "MLB-ready" if needed.

The team's starting rotation has been behind the eight-ball almost all season after Max Scherzer only lasted three innings in his season debut due to a thumb injury.

While Atkins said that Scherzer threw a "heavy bullpen" on Friday, he still needs to go through the live batting practice cycle before beginning a rehab assignment.

The Blue Jays haven't been able to find a suitable replacement for him in the rotation. Easton Lucas had a great start to the season (11 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts) before allowing 14 earned runs over his next two starts. He's currently in Triple-A.

The fifth spot in the rotation is currently occupied by Eric Lauer, who worked as the bulk man behind Yariel Rodríguez earlier this week

Bloss is the best internal option since he's starting at Triple-A and is on the 40-man roster, but he has a 5.75 ERA through 20 1/3 innings in Buffalo this year.

The top free agent starting pitcher remaining is Spencer Turnbull, who we highlighted as an option at the beginning of April.

Turnbull had a 2.65 ERA in 54 1/3 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies last year, but struggled after a midseason move to the bullpen before suffering a season-ending lat strain.

But none of these options are better than Scherzer, which is what makes his injury so frustrating. He looked great in spring training before the injury popped up at the end of March, and now the Blue Jays have to figure out what the best option is in the meantime.

The team acquired Bloss at last year's trade deadline in the hopes that he could be that option, but he hasn't looked great in 2025.

Lauer will likely get another turn through the rotation after he allowed two runs in four innings behind Rodríguez, but who knows how long the Blue Jays would want to have to deal with the extra game-planning that comes with using an opener.

While Lucas' tough showing in the middle of April wasn't very encouraging, he threw six scoreless innings for the Bisons yesterday, meaning he'd be in line to make a start the next time the Blue Jays would need a No. 5 starter.

While it's good to hear that Atkins and the rest of the Blue Jays front office is willing to turn over as many rocks as possible to bolster the rotation, it still doesn't take away from the fact that they shouldn't be in this position in the first place.