TORONTO — The Blue Jays’ rotation, long the concrete foundation of this organization, is due for a refresh.

This is about 2026, but also well beyond. This is also about the excellent moves the Blue Jays’ front office has made to build this rotation over the years, which should only instill optimism that they can pull it off again.

Yes, Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker will tower over the Blue Jays’ offseason, just like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani have in recent years, to different extents. Each offseason needs its headliner, but just below those names on the marquee, the Blue Jays’ rotation is a necessary priority.

2026 projected rotation
If the season started tomorrow, this group would be fine. Frankly, it could still be one of the better rotations in the American League, even after losing Chris Bassitt to free agency.

The Blue Jays have steady veterans in Kevin Gausman and José Berríos, a surefire Rookie of the Year favorite in Trey Yesavage, the upside of a very motivated Shane Bieber and the underrated Eric Lauer to get them out of the gates. That’s a fine starting five.

One year down the road, though, you can see why this is a need right here, right now.

Kevin Gausman — Free agent after 2026
Shane Bieber — Free agent after 2026
Trey Yesavage — Rookie
José Berríos — Player opt-out after 2026
Eric Lauer — Free agent after 2026

Berríos is suddenly the most interesting variable of all. For a decade, we’ve known exactly who Berríos is. He’s “La Makina,” the hardest-working pitcher on the planet who just does the same thing, year after year after year. Then, as he battled through right elbow inflammation that landed him on the IL for the first time in his MLB career this September, Berríos looked mortal.

He bounced back from a difficult 2022 season, but will he bounce back the same this time? And if he does, would Berríos exercise his opt-out and re-enter the market at 32 instead of taking the two remaining years on his deal at $48 million? Berríos, who has always been a sure thing, is now the great unknown.

Yesavage, on the other hand, has the opportunity to become the sun that the rest of this rotation orbits around for a decade. Sure, we said all of the same things about Alek Manoah, but what’s the point of any of this if we won’t allow ourselves to dream on young, gifted ballplayers? Some break your heart, some don’t. Yesavage looks like the homegrown ace the Blue Jays have been chasing since Roy Halladay, though. Perhaps top pitching prospect Gage Stanifer (No. 6) could join him soon, too, but regardless of how well 2026 goes for this farm system, the 2027 rotation needs help.

Shopping at the top: Rotation options
The Blue Jays already have the two blueprints they need. Signing Gausman to a five-year, $110 million deal worked brilliantly, giving them ace-level upside without spending $300 million. Their trade for Berríos, which turned into a seven-year, $131 extension, was another excellent piece of business.

Do it again.

LHP Framber Valdez: Is a bit older than the Blue Jays typically target at 32, but they love durability and Valdez’s ground balls would fit well with a strong defensive infield. (Read more)

RHP Dylan Cease: Would be more of an upside play than Valdez, a project for Pete Walker and the Blue Jays’ staff. In the past four seasons, he had two great years and two that were … fine. He’ll get paid for the great ones. (Read more)

RHP Tatsuya Imai: Could give the Blue Jays the big, splashy Japanese signing they’ve longed for. With a fastball that reaches 99 and his age (27), Imai is the ultimate swing on upside. (Read more)

LHP Ranger Suárez: Doesn’t feel like a classic Blue Jays signing, given that he hasn’t reached 160 innings before and lives near 91 mph, but there’s a right price for everyone.

RHP Zac Gallen: Is a closer fit to the durability and workload the Blue Jays love, and at this level, you’re getting closer to the range of the three-year, $63 million deal Bassitt just finished.

RHP Michael King: If Gallen is the “safer” option at this level, King is this tier’s upside play. Injuries shortened his 2025 season, but the reliever turned starter has upside close to Gausman’s. (Read more)

RHP Freddy Peralta: Looks like the Blue Jays’ dream addition in every way. With one year left on his deal in Milwaukee, he’s the single most attractive pitcher of those realistically available to Toronto via trade. (Read more)