The case for Trey Yesavage as an AL Rookie of the Year contender in 2026

It’s easy to forget that Trey Yesavage is technically in his rookie season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026. His debut last year remains the stuff of legend. He authored some of the best playoff starts in franchise history after making just three regular-season starts in September, etching himself into baseball history. 

Yet, for all that buzz, Yesavage’s first full season feels as if it’s flying a bit under the radar despite how good he’s been.

How good has Yesavage been in 2026?

When the Blue Jays drafted Yesavage 20th overall in 2024, they were selecting a pitcher many thought was already close to major-league ready. Few could have predicted how ready he actually was. 

Yesavage started his 2025 campaign in A-ball, yet finished the year pitching in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a truly meteoric rise for the right-hander, who will turn just 23 on July 28. 

Expectations were high for Yesavage and the Blue Jays coming into this season. While the team has been a colossal disappointment overall, Yesavage himself has been everything the organization could have hoped for despite some ups and downs. 

Opening the season on the injured list with a shoulder issue wasn’t the start anybody wanted. Still, Yesavage not being ready to begin the year wasn’t surprising considering how many strenuous innings he threw across all levels in 2025. Giving him extra time to build up was unquestionably the right move for his long-term health. 

Since debuting on April 28th against the Boston Red Sox, Yesavage has pitched to a 3.31 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 13 starts. He’s racked up 68 strikeouts in his 73.1 innings pitched thus far while holding opponents to a .181 batting average.

Yesavage’s ability to pitch deep into games has been legitimately impressive. He’s completed at least five innings in every start since May 9th and has gone 5.2 innings or longer in each of his last four starts. He’s providing the Blue Jays with some much-needed length when he takes the mound.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, however. Walks have been a serious issue for Yesavage in 2026 as he’s issued at least two free passes in nine of his 13 outings. He’s walked five or more batters on three separate occasions, including a 7-walk fiasco against the Baltimore Orioles on May 30th. 

Yet Yesavage has mostly managed to work out of trouble even when he’s been fighting his command. He was visibly frustrated at his inability to find the strike zone in his most recent outing against the Seattle Mariners, yet still held them to three runs—two earned—over six innings with seven strikeouts after a pre-game miscommunication threw off his routine. He’s proven he doesn’t have to be sharp to still be effective. 

So why isn’t Yesavage getting more buzz as a Rookie of the Year candidate in the American League? Maybe he set the bar too high for himself in the playoffs, or perhaps the Blue Jays’ struggles have led him to be overlooked. His numbers absolutely warrant a place in the conversation for what is shaping up to be an exceptional rookie class. 

Only time will tell whether Yesavage ultimately takes home the hardware—a huge second half could seriously boost his case. He’s certainly been worthy so far. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow