Blue Jays Announce Roster News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 6:06 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are entering the 2026 MLB season intent on constructing a roster strong enough to return to the MLB playoffs.

Widely regarded as one of the offseason’s biggest winners, the front office has shelled out multiple long‑term, lucrative contracts to strengthen the team across the board, while continuing to explore options to add another bat alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and designated hitter George Springer.

A reunion with homegrown infielder Bo Bichette remains possible, though the club is also eyeing the top free agent available, outfielder Kyle Tucker.

With aspirations of building a dynasty in the American League, the Blue Jays know they must make sound decisions from top to bottom and ensure roster depth to withstand inevitable injuries.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, the team announced the signing of five players to minor league deals with official invites to Spring Training in March, giving each a chance to earn a spot on the 40‑man roster.

“OFFICIAL: We’ve signed the following free agents to Minor League deals with invites to #SpringTraining. DH Eloy Jimenez, INF Carlos Mendoza, LHP Michael Plassmeyer, RHP Jorge Alcala, INF Rafael Lantigua,” the club wrote on X.

OFFICIAL: We’ve signed the following free agents to Minor League deals with invites to #SpringTraining.

DH Eloy Jiménez
INF Carlos Mendoza
LHP Michael Plassmeyer
RHP Jorge Alcala
INF Rafael Lantigua pic.twitter.com/Pfx0cZmaCT
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 14, 2026

The group of minor league additions reflects Toronto’s strategy of mixing proven veterans with organizational depth pieces who can compete for roster spots.

Depth Moves Set Stage for Blue Jays’ 2026 Campaign

Eloy Jimenez is the most recognizable name, a former Silver Slugger whose power potential could provide insurance if injuries strike the outfield.

Carlos Mendoza offers versatility in the infield and is coming off a productive season in the Detroit Tigers’ system, while Michael Plassmeyer represents a left‑handed option who will look to rebound after briefly pitching in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023.

Jorge Alcala brings the most experience of the group, having logged seven seasons as a relief pitcher. He pitched for three different clubs in 2025, and could be a valuable bullpen arm if he regains consistency.

Rafael Lantigua, meanwhile, is a familiar face to the organization and will attempt to carve out a role after years of grinding through the minors.

For Toronto, these moves are low‑risk decisions that could pay dividends in building depth behind their star‑studded roster. The upcoming camp offers the Blue Jays a chance to test their depth and prepare for another October run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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