We’ve entered a slow stretch of the offseason, with the early deals done and the free agent market now seemingly frozen as everyone waits for Kyle Tucker to make his decisionThere were little bits of Jays news: • Jose Berrios says he was battling bicep and elbow issues all season, which contributed to his down year. […]
We’ve entered a slow stretch of the offseason, with the early deals done and the free agent market now seemingly frozen as everyone waits for Kyle Tucker to make his decisionThere were little bits of Jays news:
• Jose Berrios says he was battling bicep and elbow issues all season, which contributed to his down year. His goal right now is to pitch for Puerto Rico in the WBC in the spring. That he’s saying that in public suggests that he’s on track to be ready for the regular season, or at least thinks he has a good shot. He currently sits sixth on the depth chart, but with Shane Bieber also coming back from some forearm fatigue and the ever-present risk of spring injuries he’ll probably find his way into the opening day rotation if he gets there healthy.
• Cody Ponce had his first press conference as a Blue Jay. He seems like a very down to earth and likeable guy, and I think he’ll be easy to root for. I also learned that he’s the brother in law of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, so I’m an instant fan. He credits Kittle with helping him “rediscover his inner child”, which, yes, I can see how George would do that.
• The Guardians have acquired Justin Bruihl for cash considerations. Bruihl was DFA’d earlier this week to make room for Tyler Rogers. Bruihl posted a 5.27 ERA in 13.2 innings for the Jays in 2025, but underlying metrics suggest he deserved a little better. He didn’t really have a clear place in the 2026 bullpen, though, with Brendon Little and Mason Fluharty ahead of him on the lefty depth chart. The Guardians’ bullpen is pretty thin after Cade Smith, what with the indictments and all, so Bruihl will have a shot at establishing himself.
We also have a couple of old friend alerts:
• Jordan Romano has signed a $2m deal with the Angels. Jordan had a rough season in Philly last year after the Jays DFA’d him, posting an 8.23 ERA over 42.2 innings before going down in August with a finger injury. Hopefully he’s able to get healthy and bounce back in a lower pressure situation in LA.
• The Padres have announced their 2026 coaching staff. Among the 21(!) guys on the staff are three former Jays: Ryan Goins, Mike McCoy, and World Series backup catcher Randy Knorr. Nice to see those guys still in the game.
Hope everyone is staying warm. It’s only 100 days to opening day. I’m getting awfully tired of staring out tur window amd waiting for spring.
Category: General Sports
