Toronto Blue Jays (Image Credits: Imagn)

MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Slugger Linked To Pittsburgh Pirates Ahead Of Opening Day

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 12:41 PM ET

Roster cuts always spark movement. This one, however, might spark a mini market. The Toronto Blue Jays made a late call that prompted double takes across the league, and before we knew it, a proven bat was back in play just days before Opening Day. Timing matters, and contenders looking for one last upgrade are paying attention.

It’s not about numbers alone. Eloy Jimenez held his own this spring, flashing a .286 average with solid pop. However, roster decisions go deeper. Fit, durability, and long-term trust all come into play. That’s where things shifted, and now multiple teams are circling, sensing an opportunity to buy low on upside.

As reported on March 24, 2026, by MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, the Pittsburgh Pirates are among several clubs (including the Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, and Miami Marlins) pushing to land Jimenez after the Blue Jays optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. Despite the demotion, interest remains strong.

Eloy Jimenez (Image Credits: Imagn)

With no deal finalized yet, Toronto holds leverage. But if a team steps up with a guaranteed big-league role, this situation could flip fast.

Blue Jays Lose Key Flexibility as Ernie Clement Locks Into Everyday Role

The Toronto Blue Jays are running it back after that brutal Game 7 loss, but the infield looks different. New faces, new roles, and a few subtle shifts that could change how this team operates day to day.

One big change is that Ernie Clement is no longer the do-it-all piece. Having bounced across the infield in 2025 and setting a postseason hits record, he’s now locked in as the everyday second baseman. Stability is nice, but it comes at a cost.

Ernie Clement (Image Credits: Imagn)

Clement’s biggest edge was versatility. He could plug any gap, anytime. Now, the chess-piece value disappears. He might gain rhythm at second, sure, but the Jays lose flexibility. Over 162 games, that trade-off could, in fact, matter.

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

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