5 former Toronto Blue Jays are still free agents heading into Opening Day

Mar 2, 2026 (9:30)

Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Rowdy Tellez leads a fascinating group of unemployed former Blue Jays, and this free agency drama brings pure nostalgia to Toronto.

The baseball calendar has officially flipped to March, and the Grapefruit League is already in full swing down in Florida.

Seeing familiar faces still searching for a major league job is always a strange feeling for the loyal fanbase.

We build deep connections with these athletes because they pour their hearts into our city every single night.

The market has been incredibly slow for certain veterans trying to secure their future this spring.

Rowdy Tellez (Age 30, Drafted Round 30, 2013 by Toronto Blue Jays) is the name that instantly jumps off the page.

He blasted 17 HR with a .719 OPS last season.

A contender looking for a designated hitter should absolutely take a chance on his powerful swing.

We all just want to see our old favorites find a place where they can contribute to a playoff push.

Then you look at Chad Green (Age 34, Drafted Round 11, 2013 by Detroit Tigers) trying to rebuild his value on the open market.

His numbers took a hit last year with a 3-2 record and a 5.56 ERA out of the bullpen.

The brutal reality of relief pitching is incredibly unforgiving.

A veteran arm with massive postseason experience is never completely out of the picture in this league.

Someone will eventually need high-leverage innings when August arrives.

Justin Turner is another legend caught in this waiting game after hitting .219 with 3 HR last summer.

His baseball IQ is absolutely off the charts and invaluable to young hitters.

Front offices are constantly churning the bottom of their rosters during spring training.

Injuries inevitably create sudden openings for these seasoned professionals.

The marathon season requires an army of talented players to survive the grueling summer months.

Marcus Stroman is another that is still without a contract as the season rapidly approaches along with another former Blue Jay in Kendall Graveman.

These beloved former Jays just need one team to believe in their resilient spirit.

The next chapter of their journey is just beginning.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

POLL
MARS 2\|222 ANSWERS 5 former Toronto Blue Jays are still free agents heading into Opening Day Will Rowdy Tellez sign a major league contract before Opening Day arrives?
Yes	107	48.2 %
No	115	51.8 %
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