The memories of Game 7 won't fade away soon. Last time the Toronto Blue Jays came inches away from a World Series championship – several times – but fell short.
However, now it's time to turn the page (and) [Andy] Pages), as he threw the first pitch of the 2026 season in an attempt to defend his American League championship. Are the Jays a better team this season? General manager Ross Atkins thinks they are. But it doesn't mean much until they get between the white lines and we see how this team comes together.
Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt have been the most notable absentees this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa isn't back either, but Toronto fans will want to forget the last time they saw him in a Jays uniform.
Atkins hopes to replace Bichette's production with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. The additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the pitching staff have compensated for the loss of Bassitt on the mound (although his clubhouse presence will be missed).
So what questions does this team have in 2026? Well, very much. Let's take a look at the four biggest ones:
4 questions facing the Blue Jays in 2026
1. Can Okamoto really replace what Bichette provided at the plate?
Okamoto had a .277 average and .882 OPS in his 10 seasons in Japan's NPB. With an on-base percentage and slugging PCT of .355. Hitting .521, he has shown that he not only has power, but also strong contact skills. He has always maintained a low strikeout rate and ability to draw walks. Most experts believe those skills should transfer well to the major leagues. His .316 average and 1.066 OPS among 23 Grapefruit League at-bats are promising signs.
2. Can Addison Barger take the next step into full-on breakout slugger?
Barger gave Jays fans some tempting appetizers in 2025, including 21 long balls in 502 plate appearances in the regular season and a memorable, historic grand slam in the World Series.
If Barger can somehow translate his stellar playoff performance this season, he will be on his way to becoming the top power threat Toronto needs him to be. Certainly, he won't be expected to duplicate his .367 postseason average. Or a 1.015 OPS, but maintaining consistency and scoring runs at the clean-up spot in the order would be a huge boon for this team.
Not that spring training numbers are reliable by any means, but he, too, had a good Grapefruit League showing, launching three homers with 13 RBI, a .310 average and a .991 OPS.
How will Cody Ponce fare when he returns to MLB?
3. What impact will Cody Ponce's success in Korea have in North America?
The difference between Ponce and Okamoto arriving with the Jays this year is that Okamoto was a star in Japan for most of the last decade. Pons dominated the KBO in the Far East in 2025.
But the 'new' Pons has shown much improvement from what he showed in his last outing in the majors. He posted a 5.86 ERA in 55.1 total innings of work with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020 and 2021. His 2026 spring training work – a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings – is once again a cautiously positive sign.
4. What will the bullpen shape in 2026?
Most of the time, the bullpen is pretty useless for major league teams. The success or failure of one season often does not carry over to the next year for relievers. And while there is a short list of 100% reliable closers around MLB, Jeff Hoffman is definitely not one of them.
Atkins decided not to attempt another closer this past offseason, deciding once again to rely on the guy who gave up World Series Game 7 with a tying home run to the LA Dodgers' No. 9 hitter in the ninth inning. And let's just say this wasn't the only time in 2025 that Hoffman got burned by the long ball. The 15 HRs he surrendered were by far the most of any closer in baseball.
But the Jays made a notable move to shore up the 'Penns, signing submarine set-up man Tyler Rogers to an extended free agent deal. Contrary to the 'crapshoot' provision above, Rodgers has been as reliable as they come in his bullpen role, with a 2.76 career ERA over the past seven years. Here's hoping his age-35 season is no different.
