One of these pitchers could still be on the Blue Jays' radar for a rotation upgrade

The Toronto Blue Jays' top priority heading into the 2026 regular season was abundantly clear. They need one or two high-end rotation arms to help fill out the uncertainties that still remain. The Blue Jays checked off one of those boxes in a big way on Wednesday evening when it was reported that they had signed Dylan Cease to a seven year deal.

Before that news broke though, Keegan Matheson's recent article addressed the 2026 starting rotation, and he pointed to a few intriguing names that still deserve a deeper look for the Blue Jays.

One of these three pitchers could be the Blue Jays' answer for final rotation spot

RHP Zac Gallen: Although Zac Gallen put up a career worst 4.83 ERA last year, he is a perfect fit when it comes to durability and workload, as he's the definition of an innings-eater. In the last four years, the right-hander has put up 184.0, 210.0, 148.0, and 192.0 innings respectively. If the Blue Jays do end up giving him a contract, fans could expect to see a shorter-term, 'prove-it' style deal, considering how much he regressed last year.

Gallen made every single one of his starts in 2025 (192 innings pitched), but the origin of his struggles are a bit difficult to diagnose. His velocity remained the same, in fact a few of his pitches (slider, cutter, knuckle-curve) increased in velocity. That being said, his strikeout rate drastically dropped to 21.5%, down from around 26-27% at his best.

Gallen’s walk rate has also increased, as he put up an 8.1 BB% in 2025, compared to an 8.7% rate in 2024. In terms of a fit with the Blue Jays, he could use some work from Pete Walker to elevate him from a solid pitcher to a great pitcher. If he returns to his 2022 version, where he posted a 2.54 ERA, he could be the Blue Jays’ ace as the ceiling.

However, if he pitches like he did in 2025, he'd be acting as a potential Chris Bassitt replacement, if he doesn't re-sign: a durable pitcher who can eat a whole lot of innings.

RHP Michael King: The 30-year-old, who's spent the last two years with the San Diego Padres, is officially a free agent, and one that the Blue Jays should be keeping a very close eye on. King declined a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres, so the team that signs him will lose a draft pick.

That being said, this should not result in the Blue Jays to veer away, considering his upside. In 2025, he pitched to a 3.44 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 73 and a third innings. He battled injuries throughout the year though, as he saw himself on the injured list in May due to a shoulder injury, but returned in August. Upon his return, he didn't get very far, throwing only two innings before being going down to the injured list again, this time with a knee issue. 

In contrast to Gallen, King does not have as many innings pitched under his belt. Aside from 2023 (104.2 innings pitched) and 2024 (173.2 innings pitched), he has not reached the 80 inning mark and has yet to throw 500 innings across the span of his career.

However, he was a reliever for the New York Yankees before San Diego turned him into a starter. On the positive front though, he should have a good amount of gas left in his tank. If the Blue Jays are serious about adding a high-end starter to slot in near the top of the rotation, King should be a high priority.

RHP Freddy Peralta: Peralta seems like the perfect fit for an addition to the top of the Blue Jays rotation. In Matheson's terms, this seems like a 'dream addition in every way.' Currently, he has one year left on his deal in Milwaukee, making him a very attractive option for a pickup via trade.

Peralta, in his third consecutive season, reached the 200-plus strikeout mark while making over 30 starts. In 2025, he recorded 17 wins, 204 strikeouts, 33 starts across 176.2 innings. He recorded a career-best 2.90 ERA.

Beyond the numbers, Peralta's status is drawing league-wide attention in trade talks, especially after Brandon Woodruff accepted Milwaukee’s qualifying offer. While president Matt Arnold hasn’t committed to trading Peralta, the door hasn't been shut in any regard. Analysts like Jim Bowden expect heavy competition, listing teams like the Red Sox, Orioles, Mets, Angels, and Astros as likely suitors. Toronto, though, should not be ruled out, especially given their clear need for a high-end starter and Peralta’s ace-like profile entering his age-29 season.

While many would say the Blue Jays have finished their offseason shopping in the starting pitchers aisle, there is a big question mark still to address. José Berrios is currently slotted in as one of the five starting pitchers for the Blue Jays. But with his injury at the end of the season, and his negative attitude toward being moved to the bullpen during the stretch run, the Blue Jays may be looking at alternative options.

The Cease signing signals that the Blue Jays are all in, on competing once again for a World Series title and they have to weigh whether they would be better by replacing Berrios in the rotation or betting on a bounce back from the 31-year-old.