Trey Yesavage Announces Blue Jays Decision at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 4:43 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to win the American League East for a second straight year, and if they do, right‑hander Trey Yesavage could be the team’s biggest difference-maker.

Yesavage debuted last September, officially rising four levels in one of the fastest ascents to the big‑league roster in franchise history thanks to his elite play. That dominance did not stop once he reached the majors.

Yesavage posted a 3.21 ERA in three regular‑season appearances, striking out 16 batters in 14 innings, which earned him manager John Schneider’s trust in October.

He helped the Blue Jays reach their first World Series in more than three decades and made history in the Fall Classic, becoming the youngest pitcher ever to record double‑digit strikeouts in a World Series game.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39)© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

However, last year was by far the heaviest workload Yesavage has ever handled in his professional career. As a result, Toronto has been cautious with his ramp‑up schedule this spring, and he is not expected to be fully built up by Opening Day in a couple of weeks.

Still, it appears he is making strong progress. Yesavage completed two innings and 35 pitches on Monday in a minor‑league game at the Blue Jays complex, a positive step forward.

He said the Blue Jays will decide where he pitches next, and he expects to take another step by throwing three innings in his upcoming outing. He also noted that his current focus is getting ahead in the count more consistently (h/t Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).

Trey Yesavage threw 35 pitches over two innings of a minor-league game at Blue Jays complex on Monday.

Yesavage says he sees his next outing being three innings; Blue Jays coaching staff will decide the environment. His biggest goal currently is working ahead of hitters.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 16, 2026

With Yesavage already preparing to add another inning to his workload, he could realistically reach his goal of 4-5 innings by Opening Day, which would take pressure off Toronto’s bullpen early in the season.

The Blue Jays have already decided he will open the year on the 40‑man roster, and he still has a strong chance to win AL Rookie of the Year after maintaining his eligibility, which is remarkable considering his last outing came in Game 7 of the World Series.

Yesavage is still just 22 years old, and he has only been with the organization since 2024 when Toronto selected him in the first round of the MLB Draft.

If his development continues this trajectory, Yesavage could quickly become one of the defining arms of the Blue Jays championship window.

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

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