Toronto Blue Jays Eye World Series Glory After Near Miss in 2025
The Toronto Blue Jays came agonizingly close to baseball's ultimate prize in 2025, falling just one run short in an epic 11-inning Game 7 of the World Series. That 5-4 defeat has fueled the team's determination as pitchers and catchers report to training camp for the 2026 season. The margin between championship celebration and runner-up disappointment was razor-thin, essentially a coin flip in a contest that could have swung either way.
Now, with spring training underway, the Blue Jays organization is focused on identifying what small improvements can bridge that final gap. The team's progression has been steady, but taking that last logical step requires contributions from across the roster. Seven particular players warrant close observation during these preseason preparations, as their performances could provide the crucial edge needed to overcome the final hurdle.
Kazuma Okamoto: Japanese Slugger with Injury Questions
All eyes will naturally be on Kazuma Okamoto, the latest sensation to make the jump from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball. The 29-year-old slugger signed a substantial four-year, $60-million contract with Toronto after hitting 30 or more home runs in six consecutive seasons with the Yomiuri Giants. However, an elbow injury limited him to just 69 games last season, raising questions about his durability.
Okamoto returned from a three-month absence to post impressive numbers, finishing with a .327 average and 15 home runs. As a client of super-agent Scott Boras, concerns about the injury have been minimized publicly, but this marks his first significant health setback. How he responds physically will be critical to watch. Beyond health, the Blue Jays must determine how best to utilize his talents, with possibilities ranging from third base to designated hitter and even some outfield work.
Dylan Cease: High-Profile Acquisition Seeking Refinement
The Blue Jays made one of the offseason's most attention-grabbing moves by signing former San Diego Padres flamethrower Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210-million contract. Cease arrives as the second-largest signing of the MLB offseason, trailing only Kyle Tucker's massive deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he's coming off a somewhat disappointing season that saw him post an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA over 32 starts.
Cease has expressed enthusiasm about working with Toronto's pitching development staff, specifically citing the success stories of Robbie Ray, Ross Stripling, and Yusei Kikuchi under pitching coach Pete Walker's guidance. Spring training will be crucial for fine-tuning his already impressive arsenal and building confidence ahead of the regular season.
George Springer: Veteran Leader Defying Age
George Springer set an interesting precedent last spring when he publicly declared his indifference to preseason statistics, instead focusing on swing adjustments that paid dividends during the regular season. True to his word, Springer posted miserable spring numbers (.108 average in 37 at-bats) before exploding for a .309 average and team-leading 32 home runs during the 2025 campaign.
Now entering his 13th MLB season at age 36, Springer continues to defy conventional aging curves. His approach to spring training bears watching, as he consistently finds ways to remain impactful despite advancing years. The veteran outfielder's preparation methods and any swing modifications could provide insight into his continued effectiveness.
Jose Berrios: Established Starter Facing Rotation Competition
Jose Berrios finds himself at a career crossroads despite the financial security of his seven-year contract, which has approximately $50 million remaining over the final two seasons. The right-hander is coming off an injury-shortened season that concluded with the surprising omission from Toronto's World Series roster, a decision that even the typically team-oriented Berrios expressed disappointment about.
Now fully healthy, Berrios faces intense competition for rotation spots from established veterans like Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, newcomer Dylan Cease, and promising rookie Trey Yesavage. The proud 10-year veteran will need an exceptional spring to secure his place in the starting rotation, as talk of potential bullpen assignments would likely be met with resistance.
Anthony Santander: Looking to Rebound After Injury-Plagued Season
Anthony Santander's first season with Toronto proved disappointing after signing a five-year, $92.5-million free agent contract. The former Baltimore Oriole managed just 54 games due to a left shoulder injury, hitting a meager .175 with only six home runs. Shoulder and back issues also limited his postseason contribution, ending his ALCS after Game 3.
The challenge for the Blue Jays involves finding regular at-bats for Santander, who projects best as a designated hitter but faces competition from George Springer for those opportunities. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entrenched at first base and the Okamoto-Barger combination at third, Santander's spring training usage will reveal how manager plans to extract value from this significant investment.
Cody Ponce: Korean Success Story Returning to MLB
At age 31, Cody Ponce returns to Major League Baseball following a career renaissance in Korea's KBO League. The Toronto Blue Jays invested $30 million over three years in the right-hander after he dominated Korean baseball with a 17-1 record and 1.89 ERA. Ponce transformed his game overseas, adding muscle, velocity to his fastball, and developing effective off-speed pitches.
The transition back to MLB competition presents a significant challenge, making spring training particularly important for building confidence and adjusting to higher-level competition. Ponce's adaptation to North American baseball after successful stints in Japan and Korea will be fascinating to observe during preseason action.
Yimi Garcia: Bullpen Stabilizer Returning from Injury
Yimi Garcia's contribution to Toronto's 2025 success often went overlooked until elbow surgery ended his season in August. Before the procedure to clean up scar tissue, the 35-year-old reliever posted a respectable 3.86 ERA while serving as the primary setup man for closer Jeff Hoffman.
Garcia's return, combined with offseason bullpen additions Trevor Rogers and Chase Lee, provides much-needed depth to a relief corps that showed vulnerabilities last season. His popularity among teammates and reliability on the mound make his spring training recovery particularly significant. Demonstrating a return to form would substantially strengthen Toronto's late-game options.
As the Blue Jays assemble in Florida for spring training, these seven players represent the potential difference-makers who could transform last season's near-miss into a championship celebration. Their individual developments during preseason preparations will provide crucial indicators about Toronto's readiness to take that final step toward World Series glory.
