Soroka would help fill Blue Jays' need for rotation depth

Michael Soroka. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Free agent Michael Soroka would help fill Blue Jays' need for rotation depth

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 2:26 PM ET

Part of the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason needs involves adding starting pitching depth, and free agent right-handed starter Michael Soroka would be a suitable option to target.

The 29-year-old has a 2027 mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $10 million that he will likely not exercise, allowing him to test the open market.

His 2026 bounce-back campaign with the Diamondbacks showcased late-season resurgence that helped keep the team's slim postseason hopes alive.

While the Diamondbacks were unsuccessful in snagging a final NL wild- card spot, he still logged a solid 9-5 record with a 3.41 ERA and 114 punchouts.

While he showcased high upside with 116 innings pitched in 2026 and 174 2/3 innings in 2019, his lengthy injury history has interrupted his durability. Despite being hit with the injury bug consistently across his career, he still carries upside that would help transform the Blue Jays rotation.

Blue Jays free agent target: Michael Soroka https://t.co/MwiCIFHYv2
— Blue Jays Nation (@thejaysnation) October 27, 2026

Key factors that make Michael Soroka a strong fit for the Blue Jays

A major weapon in his arsenal was his slurve, a secondary pitch that generated an elite 35.5 percent whiff rate, and opponents only hit .178 against it.

He also showcased exceptional command on the mound, sporting a dominant 6.1 percent walk rate. Soroka is also Canadian-born in Calgary, Alberta, which would align with the Blue Jays' interest in adding homegrown Canadian talent.

Soroka's impressive baseball resume also includes him being runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2019 during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. He boasted a 13-4 record with a 2.68 ERA, 142 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP. As a middle-of-the-order depth option, he would be a strong fit behind key starters Dylan Cease and Jose Soriano.

With Jose Berrios not expected to return to the Blue Jays rotation until late in 2027 following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Soroka would supply Toronto with a reliable arm.

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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