The Toronto Blue Jays have changed the day and time of their Opening Day in 2026.
Originally scheduled to open up on the afternoon of March 26, the Jays will now open up the 2026 campaign at 7 p.m. ET on March 27. They will play the Athletics.
At this time, the reasoning for the change is unclear, but it is clear that the Jays will be a very popular draw in 2026 after getting to the World Series in 2025. Perhaps playing at night will allow more fans to get there for the home opener, making the game feel like a more signature event on the calendar.
Lots to show off
In addition to putting up an American League Championship banner, the Jays will have multiple new roster pieces to show off on Opening Day. They have already inked right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven-year deal worth $210 million, and they’ve added Cody Ponce on a three-year deal worth $30 million.
In addition, Toronto has been linked to several more high-end free agents, including Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and Edwin Diaz.
How can the Jays make everyone fit?
At the moment, the Jays have a surplus of starting pitching, but that’s it. We explored the possibility of trading one or two of them in this piece here.
Where things really get complicated is if the Jays add Tucker, Bichette or both.
As of now, Toronto figures to have:
Alejandro Kirk at catcher, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first, an opening at second, Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Ernie Clement at third. Daulton Varsho would be in center, Addison Barger would be in right and Anthony Santander/George Springer would be in left with the other at designated hitter.
If the Blue Jays sign Bichette, he can easily slot into second base, but if they sign Tucker? All hell breaks loose. Signing him would force Barger to third and Clement to second. At that point, there would be no room for Bichette. If they made room at second for Bichette, they’d have to jettison Clement, who just set the MLB postseason record for hits with 30.
Still to come
The winter meetings begin on Sunday, Dec. 7 and run through Dec. 10, with the Rule-5 Draft occurring on Dec. 11. The Blue Jays are expected to be very active as they pursue Tucker and Bichette, and they’ve even been linked to Cody Bellinger as well.
RELATED BLUE JAYS STORIES
ANOTHER BIG MOVE: The Jays have signed Cody Ponce, the MVP of the KBO to a three-year deal. CLICK HERE:
KEY TO THE COUNTY: Ernie Clement was recently welcomed back to his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. CLICK HERE:
DRAFT PENALTIES: Signing Dylan Cease is a good move for the Jays, but it comes with consequences. CLICK HERE:
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