Projecting Jake Bloss' impact, role for Blue Jays in 2027

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jake Bloss. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Projecting Jake Bloss' impact, role for Blue Jays in 2027

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 1:02 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Jake Bloss is showing noteworthy signs that he is ready to make an impact for the team in 2027.

By making significant strides in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and putting together a compelling performance in the Arizona Fall League on Wednesday, he could add value next season.

Bloss generated six whiffs on 34 pitches and tossed 2 2/3 innings while giving up one hit, one earned run (home run) and striking out six. He also compiled a solid 82 percent strikeout rate with a 65 percent chase rate.

All are encouraging stepping stones for the 2024 trade-deadline acquisition who was attained through the Yusei Kikuchi trade. While the Blue Jays do have a fifth rotation spot open with Dylan Cease, Jose Soriano, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce set to be the top four starters, his workload limitations would have him better suited in a bullpen role.

The Blue Jays are also likely to target starting pitchers in free agency, with Japanese star Kaima Taira being a highly intriguing option to pursue.

Love seeing our Big Leaguer Jake Bloss get back to being 100% healthy and do his thing in the @MLBazFallLeague. #ProHoyas
— Edwin Thompson (@GUCoachT) October 22, 2026

Why Jake Bloss is better suited for a bullpen role in 2027

When it comes to Bloss, he hasn't pitched more than 93.1 innings in a season and threw only 39 1/3 innings in the minors in 2026, as he was sidelined by Tommy John surgery in late 2025.

Pitching as a versatile multi-inning reliever or spot starter would rightfully set him up for better success. Essentially, it would provide him with a lower-leverage role that would help prepare him as a starter for the future.

Considering he is only 25 years old, there's no sense rushing him into the rotation. In addition, since he's yet to pitch at the big league level for the Blue Jays, starting off in the pen is also more strongly suited for his development.

Bloss has limited experience in the majors, as he only pitched three starts for the Houston Astros in 2024 with a 0-1 record and an elevated 6.94 ERA with 11 strikeouts. But another encouraging part of Bloss's development is that he demonstrated an uptick in his velocity in the AFL on Wednesday, reaching 95.6 mph with his fastball. He has inevitably showcased over time how he developed his arm coming off a major surgery.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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