The Blue Jays have invited four players to big-league spring training, including outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. Victor Arias, Lazaro Estrada and Josh Stephan round out the group.

All four arrive as non-roster invitees, giving Toronto depth without using a 40-man spot.

Martin's invite was part of his return. He re-signed on a minor league deal after electing free agency earlier this month.

The 30-year-old made his MLB debut with the Jays this past September, 12 years after being drafted.

Estrada is another familiar name. The right-hander re-signed on a minor league deal after electing free agency at season's end.

He's spent his entire pro career in the organization since signing out of Cuba in 2018, and he has one minor league option remaining.

Victor Arias and Josh Stephan get a shot at Blue Jays camp

Arias adds another outfield body to the mix. Stephan gives the club another right-handed arm to evaluate in Dunedin.

Why do invites like this matter? Because depth gets tested every year.

Toronto used 16 starting pitchers in 2026. Several minor leaguers ended up making their big-league debuts during an injury-wrecked season.

The 40-man roster is also tight. Rule 5 protection decisions are due Nov. 17, and every free-agent signing will need a spot.

These invites are smart, low-cost insurance. None of them will headline the winter, but one of them could end up starting a game in May when the injury bug bites again.

Non-roster invites are like spare batteries in a drawer. You forget they're there until the remote stops working.

There is one big caveat. With a lockout expected after Dec. 1, the timing of spring training remains uncertain.

If camp opens on schedule, all four will compete for a spot on Ross Atkins' radar. For at least one of them, that could mean another shot at the majors.