Blue Jays Finalize Roster
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Spencer Miles #62 of the Toronto Blue Jays poses for a portrait during photo day at the Toronto Blue Jays Player Development Complex on February 20, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images Most of the league doesn’t play until tomorrow, and the Jays don’t open their season until Friday, but rosters still have to be finalized and so we’re getting some news this afternoon: Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Rule 5 pick Spencer Miles has made the roster.
Miles looked pretty good this spring, but it’s still amazing to see a guy with 14. 2 career minor league innings in the bigs. The team probably wanted to keep a long reliever with injuries forcing them to start the season with Eric Lauer in the rotation, but Miles is talented and has to stick or he offered back to the Giants.
They chose upside over short term roster fit. Shortstop Leo Jimenez has been designated for assignment. There’s a good chance that that marks the end of his time in the Blue Jays organization, as other teams will be interested in taking a look at his contact ability and up the middle defence.
Jimenez signed out of Panama as a 16 year old back in July of 2017. He played most days down the stretch in 2024, posing league average offensive numbers with defence that graded out below average at shortstop but above at second. Injuries derailed his 2025 campaign, though, and he didn’t have a great spring while Josh Kasevich, his likely longer term successor in the backup shortstop role, raked.
With those moves, the Opening Day 26-man roster should just about be set: Rotation : Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Cody Ponce, Max Scherzer, Eric Lauer Bullpen : Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers, Louis Varland, Brendon Little (LHP), Mason Fluharty (LHP), Braydon Fisher, Spencer Miles, and one of Chase Lee or Tommy Nance Catcher : Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heinemann Infield : Vladimir Guerrero jr. (1B), Ernie Clement (2B), Kazuma Okamoto (3B), Andres Gimenez (SS) Outfield : Addison Barger (RF), Daulton Varsho (CF), Jesus Sanchez (LF) Designated Hitter : George Springer Bench : Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider Have to say, while I hate to lose a talented young player like Jimenez, that’s a mighty fine looking roster to my eye. Let me know why I’m wrong in the comments.