So, what about that Blue Jays Bullpen? A look at depth
Photo credit: Mary Ellen Chiles - Springfield Citizen
In our last article, we looked at the Blue Jays starting pitching depth Now, let's take a closer look at the bullpen.
It is well-known that the bullpen was one of the Jays weakest areas in 2024. Jordan Romano missed most of the year with injury, Tim Mayza struggled to an 8.04 era and was ultimately released, and Erik Swanson spent time in the minors.
Swanson is back, and so is Yimi Garcia, who returned on a two-year contract.
The Blue Jays also added Nick Sandlin, who came over in the Andres Gimenez trade, and signed JJosh Walker for depth. So what's left?
The Blue Jays also added Nick Sandlin, who came over in the Andres Gimenez trade, and signed JJosh Walker for depth. So what's left?
Garcia and Swanson have guaranteed roles, joining closer Chad Green as the late-inning guys. Zach Pop looks a good bet to return, along with Brendon Little who impressed after being called up last year. With the addition of Walker that leaves room for one of two, depending on Yariel Rodriguez.
Out of the tryouts last year, Ryan Burr seems most likely to win a spot, and if Eric Lauer doesn't make the rotation the Blue Jays could decide to keep him in the bullpen.
But what about depth?
Easton Lucas, Brett De Geus, Brendan Eisert and Nick Robertson will all start the year in the minors and will be available if need be. They all made cameos last year and while none of them particularly impressed, they are ready.
Eric Pardinho will get a look as well.
Three other names to keep an eye on this year are Connor Cooke, Hayden Juenger, and Mason Fluharty, all in Triple A.
Juenger may be a familiar name to some Jays fan, and the front office has been high on him for quite some time. He has spent the last two seasons in Buffalo, and while his numbers might not blow some away, the Blue Jays will need to make a decision on him soon.
Cooke is an intriguing option, as he has the raw power to be a great late-inning guy, as evidenced by his five saves down in Buffalo. He will need to get his walks under control (28 in 31.2 innings) if he wants to truly be effective.
The Dark Horse is Fluharty who went 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA and 76 strike outs in 67 innings. He could be a surprise candidate at some point during the year.
If the Blue Jays new additions hold, the bullpen could be great this year, if not, the next wave from Buffalo could be upon us.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 101 ANSWERS So, what about that Blue Jays Bullpen? A look at depth Who is most likely to make their debut this year? | ||
| Eric Pardinho | 29 | 28.7 % |
| Hayden Juenger | 32 | 31.7 % |
| Connor Cooke | 25 | 24.8 % |
| Mason Fluharty | 15 | 14.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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