Initial projections also included Berrios in the rotation, but recent comments from GM Ross Atkins confirmed that Berrios left the team during the World Series and was upset about not being on the roster and his move to the bullpen late in the regular season.
Those comments made it difficult to imagine Berríos being part of the Jays staff in 2026, though Atkins did note that the Puerto Rican product is expected to remain on the team.
Should the Blue Jays add more pitching depth?
The question is: Should the front office increase their pitching depth after the significant investments in Cease and Ponce?
As good as Lauer was, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same guy in 2026, and investing in someone who will at least challenge for a starting spot would be wise. Outside of Lauer, looking further into the farm system, the Jays have a few arms sticking out in the form of Ricky Tiedemann, Adam Macko and Lazaro Estrada, but that’s not the deepest pool out there given the injury concerns that have plagued Tiedemann and Macko in recent years.
The Jays have already spent a lot of money on free-agent pitching this season. Who could they bring in who would be a value addition but who could viably form the team and contribute?
Since Lauer is potentially the only left-handed starter, bringing in another cheap lefty would be a good move. The Jays have had success in recent years with veteran pitchers such as Robbie Ray, Max Scherzer and a host of others. Jose Quintana and Martin Perez are two veteran lefties the Blue Jays could sign on the cheaper side of pitchers who could impact the 2026 team if they choose that route.
Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser is another interesting name out there that could be a deal for the right price. He emerged as a stud for a ruthless Chicago White Sox team, posting a 6-2 record and a 2.10 ERA through his first eleven starts of 2025. The 32-year-old came back down to earth after being acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays and posted a 4.79 ERA across ten starts. Dustin May and Brad Keller are other low-cost options the team could consider if they are comfortable signing a new right-handed pitcher, and the club reportedly checked in on Keller this winter.
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