Why Kendrys Rojas is a legit option for the 2026 Blue Jays rotation

With the recent promotion to Triple-A Buffalo after dominating in Double-A, Kendrys Rojas has a great chance of packing his bags once more, this time to Toronto.

Rojas' devlopment has been plagued by injuries, but when he's on the field, he's a must-watch prospect. The 22-year-old Cuban was down most of last season with an oblique strain, which halted his development. That being said, since returning from his injury, he has been lights out.

After his return in May, Rojas worked his way up throughout a few different levels, including the Florida Complex League and Single-A Dunedin. His last stop, before his recent promotion, was Double-A New Hampshire.

After four starts in Double-A, he struck out 40% of batters compared to a miniscule 2.7% walk rate in 18.2 innings. Between the three levels this year, Rojas has pitched to a 2.45 ERA across 36 innings while striking out 56 batters and walking just seven.

The 6th-ranked prospect in Toronto's system throws from a deceptive arm slot, as it comes lower from the left side. The velocity on his fastball has increased incrementally, as he's now sitting at 95 mph, although he can top out at 97 mph, with ride. Rojas pairs his electric fastball with a high-80s slider and a split changeup, which is able to generate a ton of swing-and-miss, although all his pitches produce a ton of swing-and-miss.

Rojas's quick rise (while on the field) is yet another example of the minor league pitching coming together, and there's lots of credit due for the devlopment staff in the minors. That said, some of this success comes down to some luck, as mentioned by Keegan Matheson.

The Blue Jays' pitching depth has taken massive leaps this year, as Trey Yesavage is starting to get the better of Double-A opponents. Rojas has been just as good, if not better than the other fun Minor League arms such as Johnny King and Khal Stephen.

With Bassit and Scherzer coming off the books after this season, some holes will need to be filled. Whether those holes are filled via trades, signings, or promotions, Kendrys Rojas is certainly making a compelling case to crack the roster for 2026. That said, if he continues to dominate at this rate, he may even have a shot at this year's playoff squad, once rosters expand.