TORONTO -- As the Blue Jays chase the World Series once again, a roster that will take dozens of different shapes in 2026 has its first official version.
Many of these decisions took care of themselves in Spring Training, especially in a crowded starting rotation that will now see Trey Yesavage (shoulder impingement), Shane Bieber (forearm inflammation) and José Berríos (elbow stress fracture) open the season on the IL. Other decisions came down to old-fashioned competitions, with Spencer Miles winning the final bullpen spot and infielder Leo Jiménez falling just short of the final position player spot.
Here’s the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster ahead of first pitch against the A’s on Friday:
Catcher (2): Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
If Kirk can start another 110-plus games behind the plate, the Blue Jays will be thrilled. Heineman offers them a steady backup option and No. 24 prospect Brandon Valenzuela will be waiting in Triple-A if a need arises, but Kirk gives the Blue Jays one of the best starting options in baseball.
First basemen (1): Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Last season, Guerrero started 130 games at first, which is the sweet spot, and he’ll be spelled off by either Kazuma Okamoto or Ernie Clement when he takes DH days. Guerrero had an excellent World Baseball Classic, and it feels like he’s bottled up some of that momentum from the 2025 World Series. If that carries over in ‘26, look out.
Second base (1): Ernie Clement
The 2025 postseason hero Clement is a sneaky Gold Glove Award candidate this year, especially if he’s sticking at one position. Clement will be the primary second baseman, but will slide over to shortstop on days Giménez needs a breather. Davis Schneider can slide in from the outfield to spell Clement whenever needed.
Shortstop (1): Andrés Giménez
Speaking of Gold Glove Awards … a full season of Giménez at shortstop will be a treat. Yes, he needs to hit more after batting just .210 with a .598 OPS in his first season with Toronto, but injuries got in the way, and it felt like Giménez never found his groove. If he can drag that OPS up to .675 alongside his elite defense, that’s a very valuable player. The Blue Jays will feed Giménez all the playing time he can handle.
Third base (1): Kazuma Okamoto
With Addison Barger now expected to play more right field, Okamoto will focus heavily on third base, where he has a clear path to near-everyday reps. That’s a major challenge for Okamoto, who is adjusting to a new league, new pitchers and new life in North America after playing professionally in Japan, but the Blue Jays have high expectations for the former Yomiuri Giants star. Barger will still see time here, especially if Okamoto is used to spell Vladdy at first base.
Designated hitter (1): George Springer
Springer prefers “OP” for “offensive player,” but alas. The DH spot was the fountain of youth for Springer one season ago, keeping the veteran fresh for one of the most surprising seasons in recent Blue Jays memory. He’ll still see days in right field, where he’s perfectly capable and still has excellent ball skills on difficult catches, but Toronto's 2025 MVP is the OP.
Outfielders (6): Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myles Straw, Addison Barger, Jesús Sánchez
Another year opens with the Blue Jays being extremely heavy on outfielders, but this can work if Schneider and Barger slide back and forth frequently. Sánchez, a trade addition early in camp in exchange for Joey Loperfido, will likely face most right-handed pitchers.
Starting pitchers (5): Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Cody Ponce, Eric Lauer
This group will take on a dozen different looks in 2026, so consider this the first version of many. Lauer moves into the rotation with injuries to Yesavage, Berríos and Bieber, and depending on the timing of their returns, the Blue Jays will have some uncomfortable decisions to make along the way. The best five starters will pitch, so there’s a real competitive element to this.
Relief pitchers (8): Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, Tommy Nance, Spencer Miles
Initially expected to feel the squeeze of the Blue Jays’ rotation if one or two starters had been bumped to the bullpen, this is now a more traditional group of relievers. Rule 5 Draft pick Miles is 25, but has never pitched above Single-A as he’s dealt with multiple injuries. That will be a fascinating development project to track, but the Blue Jays could find some lower-leverage spots for him. Change always looms in a bullpen, but this is a sturdy group which has Yimi García nearing a return, as well.