Blue Jays decline Myles Straw’s 2027 option

The Toronto Blue Jays declined their 2027 club option on outfielder Myles Straw on Monday, sending the veteran into free agency after two seasons with the team.

The option would have paid Straw $8 million next season. Instead, he receives a $1.75 million buyout, which the Cleveland Guardians cover under the terms of the trade that brought him to the Blue Jays.

Straw, 32, hit .241 with a .304 on-base percentage and .342 slugging percentage in 2026. He finished with three home runs, 26 RBI and seven stolen bases across 330 plate appearances.

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi posted the update Monday on X, formerly Twitter, confirming the Blue Jays’ decision to decline Straw’s option for the 2027 season.

“Blue Jays have declined their 2027 option on Myles Straw.”

Those numbers represented a step back from his first season with the Blue Jays, when he batted .262/.313/.367 with four home runs and 12 steals in 299 plate appearances. His OPS fell from .680 to .646.

Toronto acquired Straw from the Guardians on January 17, 2025, receiving cash and international signing bonus pool space in the deal. He subsequently spent two seasons providing the Blue Jays with an experienced option in center field.

Straw won an American League Gold Glove in 2022, establishing defense as a central part of his value. His offensive production, however, left the Blue Jays weighing whether to commit $8 million to an outfielder with limited power.

He showed improvement at the plate late in the season. Beginning August 3, Straw hit .277/.348/.387 over 134 plate appearances, delivering a stronger finish than his full-season numbers suggest. That stretch could help his case as he searches for his next opportunity.

The Blue Jays could still re-sign Straw at a lower salary, but he can now explore other opportunities for 2027.