Ricky Tiedemann, Sean Keys auditioning for 2027 roster spots

The Toronto Blue Jays were busy from a roster management perspective on September 1st, recalling Ricky Tiedemann and Sean Keys in a flurry of moves. 

Both had short stints with the big club earlier this season. Tiedemann made just one appearance before getting sent back down, while Keys scuffled over a small sample at the plate before also getting demoted. Now, both youngsters will have a chance to help the Blue Jays in their playoff push—and show the front office they belong in their plans for the roster next season. 

How can Ricky Tiedemann and Sean Keys help the Blue Jays? 

Tiedemann’s fit on the 2026 Blue Jays the rest of the way is clear. This team is down several pitchers, so anyone who can provide them with some quality innings is welcome. 

More specifically, he’s likely to factor into manager John Schneider’s plans when the team deploys a bullpen game. He’s capable of going multiple frames, which makes him exactly the kind of arm the team needs when they’re without a proper starter. 

Tiedemann could also see some leverage opportunities if he’s effective—and those situations are likely to be his true audition for 2027. The Blue Jays might consider him an option for their rotation next season, but it’s more likely they build him up over a full season as a reliever first given his checkered injury history over the past few years.

He certainly has what it takes from a stuff perspective, with an arsenal headlined by a mid-to-high 90s fastball. That velocity absolutely plays from the left side. It’s his command—or lack thereof—that will be the true differentiator, however. 

Keys’ short-and-long-term fit is more interesting. He’s shown the kind of raw power the Blue Jays desperately need at Triple-A Buffalo this season. The issue is finding a place for him to play given the glut of infielders already on the roster. 

Could Keys transition to the outfield? It’s clearly something the organization has been asking, considering he played some left field over the last week. Whether or not he can actually play the outfield in an MLB game is yet to be determined.

Still, Keys’ offensive potential warrants getting him into the lineup. If some of what he did at Triple-A carries over to the Blue Jays in September, he could become an important lineup piece moving forward. 

The runway for both to establish themselves will certainly be there. Come free agency, the Blue Jays are likely to be shopping for a left-handed reliever and a power bat—exactly how this pair projects on paper. Their call-ups could represent upgrades now, but also meaningful additions for next year. 

Of course, the caveat is that the Blue Jays will prioritize playing their proven players as they fight for a playoff spot. This isn’t a team that’s out of the race that will just parade its prospects out to see what they have. Opportunities will be limited, so it will be on Tiedemann and Keys to seize them. 

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