Two players the Blue Jays should call up immediately—and who they should replace

Sometimes a late-season prospect promotion can make all the difference for a baseball team fighting for its life in a tight playoff race. 

In 2025, the decision to call up Trey Yesavage ultimately propelled the Blue Jays to an American League East Division title and eventually the World Series. It’s hard to imagine them being nearly as successful without his contributions. 

The 2026 Blue Jays won’t be saved in a similar fashion; they don’t have an ascending star knocking on the door ready to help them snag the final AL Wild Card spot. That doesn’t mean they don’t have guys in the minor leagues who can help, though. Here are two promotions the front office should consider—and who they should send down to make them happen. 

Who can the Blue Jays call up to help them make the playoffs?

1. Ricky Tiedemann for Brendon Little

Tiedemann’s first stint with the Blue Jays earlier this month lasted all of one appearance. It was hardly a fair shake for a guy who was once the organization’s top pitching prospect before Yesavage took the system by storm. 

The young lefty’s upside is significantly higher than Little’s, whose process hasn’t changed despite some improved results. He still has no idea where the ball is going when it leaves his hands—every appearance teeters on the brink of disaster. 

Little simply can’t be trusted to pitch in meaningful games until he shows improved command. Smart teams know they just need to lay off his offspeed pitches in the dirt to force him into making a mistake. That level of predictability isn’t good enough right now with the season on the line.

Tiedemann throws harder and, more importantly, can pitch longer once he gets into the game. He could be extremely valuable in a swing-man type role in September, perhaps serving as a multi-inning guy behind Max Scherzer or Spencer Arrighetti. 

2. Sean Keys for Jesús Sánchez 

Keys hit just .167 over his first 37 MLB plate appearances earlier this season and looked overmatched by big-league pitching. He’s torn the cover off the ball since going back to Triple-A Buffalo, however, and appears worthy of another shot with the Blue Jays in 2026. 

On the other hand, Sánchez is playing himself out of a roster spot with each passing day. His disastrous defensive play has effectively made it impossible for manager John Schneider to pencil him into one of his three outfield spots. He hasn’t produced at the plate since the All-Star break, either, which has further complicated his role.

The Blue Jays will need all the offence they can get down the stretch as they fight for a playoff spot. Keys’ raw power potential could be a welcomed boost to a lineup full of contact hitters. He would only need to run into a few home runs to earn his keep.

Of course, this move wouldn’t just necessitate sending Sánchez down to the minor leagues—it would involve cutting him loose, given he has no options. Trading him in the offseason to recoup some value is probably much more likely. 

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