Former Blue Jays who are eligible for the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot

Of the listed players, Encarnacion is going to find his name on the ballot, while the others are potential maybe’s, while also being considered ‘one and dones’ on the list, should they be listed.

Justin Smoak – 1B

Spending five years with the Blue Jays, switch-hitter Justin Smoak became a fan favourite amongst the organization for his cowboy demeanour and being able to hit the ball a long way. He would be acquired from the Seattle Mariners during the 2014/2015 offseason, with the slugger being placed on waivers.

Through five years with Toronto from 2015 to 2019, Smoak authored a .237/.338/.459 slash line with 117 home runs in 684 games.

Emilio Bonifacio – UTIL

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Emilio Bonifacio spent just one season with the Jays. He was acquired by the club as part of the massive trade with the Marlins in 2012 that saw numerous players heading each way.

Bonifacio would suit up in 94 games for the Jays, collecting 57 hits through 262 at-bats (.218) and playing numerous positions on the field. He would be traded to the Kansas City Royals in mid-August.

Jeremy Jeffress – RHP

Acquired by the Blue Jays during the 2012/2013 offseason from the Kansas City Royals, Jeremy Jeffress spent two seasons with the organization  (2013 and 2014) but struggled to find a role in the big leagues. He made just 13 relief appearences for the Jays, compiling a 3.29 ERA in the process, before being designated for assignment on April 15th, 2014. He would choose free agency and re-sign with the Brewers, the team that drafted him back in 2006.

Jeffress would spend most of his career with the Brew Crew, earning an All-Star nod in 2018. He retired with a 3.08 ERA through 414 appearences, all but one being in the bullpen.

Erik Kratz – C

A backup catcher for most of his career, Erik Kratz played for nine different organizations throughout his career and spent part of the 2014 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was originally drafted by the Jays in 2002 in the 29th round and would later sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2008/2009 offseason without appearing in a big league game under the Toronto banner.

The Jays would re-acquire Kratz during the 2013/2014 offseason as part of the trade package for reliever Brad Lincoln. He would appear in 34 games for the Jays, collecting 16 hits and posting a .572 OPS. Kratz and reliever Liam Hendriks would be traded at the deadline for infielder Danny Valencia.