Predicting the Blue Jays' 26-man Wild Card Series roster

Relief pitchers (9)

There were a few close calls here, primarily when narrowing down the final spot between Trevor Richards and Bowden Francis. The former had a 12.41 ERA in 12 September outings while the latter had been money for the Blue Jays all year long in whatever role he was asked to fill. Ultimately, the decision was an easy one.

Génesis Cabrera

At the time, there was no chance in hell that Cabrera's acquisition at the trade deadline was predicted to be one of the best made by season's end. Here we are 29 outings later and his 2.66 ERA and 162 ERA+ put him firmly in that conversation. He was acquired for just a catcher in the low-minors and is a lock to make the cut.

Bowden Francis

While he occasionally got the short end of the stick this year, Francis absolutely deserves a spot on this roster. In 20 outings, he posted a 1.73 ERA with 35 strikeouts and just eight walks in 36.1 innings of work. He has the flexibility to pitch in any role on the pitching staff, a trait that should be taken advantage of in the postseason.

Yimi García

García, 33, was questionable at times this year but he made a whopping 73 appearances for the Blue Jays and has earned a spot here. He struck out 10.8 batters per nine innings this year, which is the best he's ever had in a full season.

Chad Green

Aside from a few shaky outings, Green was masterful for the Blue Jays in 12 appearances post-injury. Some of the surface-level numbers like his 5.25 ERA don't suggest it, but his 2.67 FIP and 12 strikeouts per nine innings tell a different story.

Jordan Hicks

Speaking of masterful, Hicks did everything he was asked to do as a member of the Blue Jays. He made 25 appearances post-trade and while he remained erratic with his command, he did an excellent job functioning in multiple different roles. He is likely the backup closer for the Jays, which is going to be a valuable role if Jordan Romano struggles in any of his outings.

Yusei Kikuchi

Kikuchi made a career-high 32 starts this year but is simply not going to have his turn in the rotation come up in the WC Series. He's done more than enough to make the roster, though, so look for him to make a relief appearance in the series.

Tim Mayza

Mayza emerged as one of the game's best left-handed relievers this year and is one of the more durable arms in the bullpen. Need I say more?

Jordan Romano

The 30-year-old made his second straight All-Star Game appearance and is to be viewed as one of the best closers in baseball. After earning 36 saves for the second year in a row, he's the top option to close out games for the Jays.

Erik Swanson

One of the more underrated arms in the Blue Jays' bullpen, Swanson made a career-high 69 appearances this season, earning four saves of his own. His experience in a bunch of different roles helps his case here, not that it was ever in danger to begin with.