Checking in on how former Blue Jays players are performing in 2026

His struggles have stemmed from command issues and surrendering a high number of hits and walks. Bassitt is known for his durability, but it's been an issue this season when he hasn't been able to pitch six innings. 

This was a quality he demonstrated during his 2025 season with the Blue Jays, when he notched an 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA.

Bo Bichette

The former Toronto Blue Jay shortstop started the year slowly with the New York Mets, who were recently on a 12-game losing streak. Bichette started the early season going 2-for-22 (.091) in a slump. He signed a three-year, $126M deal with the Mets as a free agent in the offseason. 

As of April 25, he was batting only .239 with a .581 OPS and one home run in his first 26 games. He's working on a second-half rebound attempt. He has recently shown improvement, but strikeouts have still been an issue.

He is working to fix his issues, but Bichette starting slow in a season is nothing new for the strong contact hitter who led the American League in hits in back-to-back seasons with the Blue Jays in 2021 (191 hits) and 2022 (189 hits).

He has faced challenges at the plate, including a high 22.6% strikeout rate. But the Mets have played better recently, with the two-time All-Star having eight hits, five strikeouts, a stolen base, three RBI and a .267 average in his last seven games.

Bichette has had to adjust to a new team and playing a new position (third base), but he's showed improved contact in recent play.

Khal Stephen

Former Blue Jays pitching prospect Khal Stephen was traded to the Cleveland Guardians last season in exchange for ace Shane Bieber.

This season, Stephen, who is currently with the Guardians' Double-A affiliate, the Akron RubberDucks, has tallied a 1-2 record with a 1.53 ERA, 20 strikeouts and a 1.42 WHIP.

Meanwhile, Bieber is awaiting his debut this season, as he's been on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to March 22. He was placed on the 60-Day IL to make room for Lenyn Sosa on the 40-man roster on April 13.

He is projected to return in mid-late May as his recovery has been slow. He's throwing bullpen sessions, easing into his return to the majors. Bieber had a 4-2 and 3.57 ERA across 40 innings pitched with the Blue Jays last season.

Unfortunately, since his 2020 AL Cy Young season with the Guardians, he has been riddled with injuries, including rehabbing from Tommy John surgery last season when signing with the Blue Jays.