Blue Jays Spring Training: Key Questions Heading Into the Season

The Toronto Blue Jays head into spring training in Dunedin, Florida, laser-focused on one thing: turning last year’s wild World Series ride into real momentum for 2026. This piece digs into the obvious roster questions, health updates, and contract tempo that’ll shape camp and beyond—from bullpen shakeups to the business side of the lineup.

Spring Camp Outlook: Rotation depth and bullpen questions

Gates open in Dunedin, and the Jays face a seriously crowded rotation. Veterans and prospects are all clawing for spots, but the club doesn’t seem interested in gutting depth through big trades or salary dumps. It’s a weird mix: high expectations, but some glaring holes left over from 2025.

Key pitching storylines and what to monitor

Two threads keep popping up in early pitching talk. Luis Severino just landed in the bullpen after a rocky 2025 and an IL stint that sidelined him for the playoffs—he wasn’t thrilled about that. His role could swing the bullpen-rotation balance, and you can bet his comments in camp will get as much attention as his pitch count. On the flip side, Shane Bieber shows up with forearm fatigue still hanging around after a long Tommy John rehab. His first bullpen sessions? Everyone’s watching to see if he can stick to a normal spring, or if they’ll have to pump the brakes.

John Means is working his way back from Tommy John too, and the Jays are taking it slow. Then there’s Tiedemann, the young arm with some buzz—maybe he slides into a bullpen role if his stuff looks sharp. Every session, every throw, the coaches are searching for signs: is he ready, or does he need more time?

Star players driving the clubhouse and what loads the storyline

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits at the heart of this whole thing. He proved he can carry a team in the playoffs, and he’s still the face of the franchise. His spring story will shift as he sets the pace in camp, syncing his prep with the club’s big hopes for 2026.

On the roster side, health and the presence of key vets will drive a lot of daily choices. Alejandro Kirk got an extension last year, which says a lot about how the Jays value their own guys and want to keep things steady. In the outfield and catcher mix, Daulton Varsho heads into a free-agent year and becomes a big name in contract chatter—even if the team keeps it quiet for now. His 2025 was short but strong, making him tricky to value for both the present and in the market.

Business of the game: extensions, contracts, and player value

The Jays walk into camp with high hopes, but they know the score. There are always financial realities and roster limits when you’ve got a deep, competitive team.

Alejandro Kirk‘s extension last year still sticks in people’s minds. It’s a good example of how Toronto tries to balance homegrown talent with outside value.

Now, Daulton Varsho is a tricky case. He could have a big 2025 in a short window, making him tempting for other teams, but he’s also a big part of what Toronto wants to do in 2026 and after.

The front office won’t turn contract talks into a public spectacle. Still, behind the scenes, timing is everything as spring gets underway.

Most of the chatter in Dunedin focuses on how health, depth, and contract timing mix with coaching choices. Jays staff will watch closely to see how players handle early workouts and meetings. Those first reactions might decide whether last year’s spark sticks around or if the mood starts to shift.

They want to keep things rolling, protect their core guys, and set up a realistic shot at competing through 2026 and beyond.

Off-season moves—like Severino possibly moving to the bullpen, Bieber’s health, Means’ rehab, and maybe Tiedemann pitching in relief—will shape how this spring plays out. Honestly, it’s going to be a camp full of careful choices, strong performances, and a steady, not-so-loud drive to figure out the big stuff that’ll shape where the Jays are headed next year.

 
Here is the source article for this story: New year, new questions facing Blue Jays