The Toronto Blue Jays' remarkable journey to the 2025 World Series has become a powerful recruiting tool, playing a pivotal role in convincing free-agent reliever Tyler Rogers to bring his unique submarine delivery north of the border.
The Winning Pitch: Championship Pedigree and Family Focus
Rogers, formally introduced on December 19, 2025, made it clear that the Blue Jays' status as American League champions immediately captured his attention. "When the American League champs give you a phone call, you kind of perk up and get excited about that," Rogers stated during a video press conference. While the substantial three-year, $37 million US contract was significant, Rogers emphasized the organization's sterling reputation was equally compelling.
He highlighted the team's treatment of players and their families as a major draw, especially for him as a married father of two young children. "The Blue Jays have a great reputation through the industry, even before they made this World Series run," Rogers noted, adding that word-of-mouth endorsements from former players consistently praised the Toronto experience.
Aggressive Courtship Seals the Deal
The recruitment process, led by General Manager Ross Atkins, left a strong impression on the 35-year-old pitcher. Rogers revealed that the Blue Jays were the first team to contact him when free agency opened, arranging an early Zoom meeting with Atkins and manager John Schneider. "It leaves an impression the first team that contacts you," Rogers said. "That started it for me and then they seemed aggressive, more aggressive than anybody." This proactive approach helped solidify Toronto as his destination.
The Submarine Arsenal: A Deceptive Weapon for the Bullpen
The initial intrigue surrounding Rogers centers on his unorthodox, submarining pitching style, where he releases the ball just inches from the mound. While his fastball averages a modest 83.5 mph, its deceptive trajectory has made him one of baseball's most effective contact managers. Since 2021, Rogers has posted the lowest barrel percentage in Major League Baseball among pitchers with at least 200 innings, a testament to his ability to baffle hitters.
Rogers, who fully committed to the submarine delivery back in junior college in 2010, views his craft as a continual evolution. "The release point has gradually gone down further and further," he explained. "I wouldn’t say it’s a finished product by any means because it’s never going to be."
Fitting into a Bullpen with Lofty Expectations
The signing addresses a key need for the Blue Jays, who were seeking late-inning reliability. After missing out on other high-profile relief targets earlier in the offseason, the Jays secured a pitcher renowned for his eighth-inning prowess. Rogers is expected to serve as a primary setup man, potentially bridging the game to closer Jeff Hoffman, in whom the organization maintains strong confidence.
Eager to join a club with championship aspirations, Rogers looks forward to learning from teammates who experienced the deep playoff run. "I can’t wait to just talk to all those guys and see what it was like," he said. "Really, it doesn’t seem like they need much help. So I’m trying to just fall in line and hopefully contribute where I can." His arrival adds a distinctive and proven arm to a Blue Jays bullpen aiming to build on its 2025 World Series appearance.
