The Toronto Blue Jays just made a notable offseason roster move. They outrighted relief pitcher Nick Sandlin to Triple-A Buffalo after he cleared waivers on Saturday.
This move removes Sandlin from the team’s 40-man roster. It follows a season that injury cut short for him.
Sandlin started 2025 strong, but elbow issues kept him out for the rest of the year. With roster flexibility a big priority this winter, the Blue Jays might be signaling the end of Sandlin’s time in Toronto as he looks toward free agency before 2026.
Nick Sandlin’s 2025 Season Cut Short
Sandlin came into 2025 as one of Toronto’s most reliable bullpen arms. He posted a 2.20 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over just 16.1 innings.
He limited baserunners and handled high-leverage situations well, making him a trusted option for manager John Schneider. Then, right elbow inflammation landed him on the injured list and ended his season.
He tried to return, but setbacks in rehab kept him out. Extended absences like this usually force front offices to reconsider a player’s long-term spot, especially in the bullpen where durability matters so much.
Impact of His Injury on Toronto’s Bullpen
Without Sandlin, Toronto’s late-inning plans took a hit. The team leaned hard on other relievers, which strained the bullpen’s depth.
Losing a steady, low-ERA reliever in the middle of the season was a real blow for a club with playoff hopes. It’s a tough reminder of how risky it can be to count on pitchers with injury histories.
Blue Jays’ Offseason Roster Flexibility
The MLB offseason always feels like a balancing act—keeping enough depth but making room for signings or Rule 5 protection. By outrighting Sandlin, the Blue Jays open up a roster spot.
That’s a move that could matter for winter negotiations and player acquisitions. It also hints that Toronto’s front office is weighing new bullpen options, maybe from the open market or their farm system.
The outright assignment suggests some real concern about Sandlin’s durability after his recent injuries.
Historical Reliability vs. Current Concerns
In his first five MLB seasons, Sandlin put up a solid 3.19 ERA. He’s shown he can perform in different bullpen roles.
That kind of track record should make him appealing to other teams looking for bullpen stability. But teams these days really pay attention to injury history, especially with relievers who’ve had setbacks.
For Sandlin, those rehab delays in 2025 probably played a big part in Toronto’s decision.
Looking Ahead: Free Agency and New Opportunities
Sandlin is expected to elect free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo. He’ll get the chance to look for a new team in need of experienced relief pitching.
His career ERA and strong numbers before his injury in 2025 could help his case on the open market. Some clubs might see him as a calculated risk with real upside.
For teams trying to boost bullpen depth, Sandlin could be a low-cost, high-reward pickup. If he gets healthy, his earlier success in high-leverage spots is tough to ignore heading into 2026.
Teams That Could Show Interest
It’s always a bit of a guessing game as free agency starts, but a few types of teams might chase Sandlin:
- Contenders needing experienced middle-relief arms for playoff pushes
- Rebuilding teams wanting to stabilize the bullpen and mentor young pitchers
- Clubs with strong pitching development who think they can manage his workload
His track record and age make him a pretty interesting target in a crowded free-agent market. Someone’s bound to take a shot, right?
Final Thoughts
Nick Sandlin’s outright to Triple-A Buffalo feels like a real turning point in his MLB journey. For the Blue Jays, it’s a tough balancing act—trying to keep roster options open while juggling injuries.
Sandlin gets a chance to hit reset and show he can still help a bullpen somewhere. If he stays healthy, his mix of control and poise could catch the eye of a few teams.
Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess what happens next. Maybe he finds his groove again, or maybe a new clubhouse is waiting for him down the road.
Here is the source article for this story: Nick Sandlin removed from 40-man
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