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Ross Atkins explains why Trey Yesavage might be left out of the Blue Jays starting rotation in 2026
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins spoke on rookie sensation Trey Yesavage recently and made some interesting comments on his position going into 2026.
Yesavage was phenomenal in the playoffs for Toronto which has already led to rumors of a contract extension being sent his way in the near future.
Ross Atkins speaks on Trey Yesavage's role for next season
Due to how well Yesavage pitched for Toronto during the playoffs, many expected him to be a lock in the starting rotation for the 2026 season especially with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt entering free agency but apparently that is not the case.
That performance might suggest Yesavage is a lock for a starting rotation spot with the Blue Jays next year, particularly with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt heading to free agency, but the team doesn't necessarily see it that way. -Chawaga
When Atkins spoke to the media about Yesavage's future with the team, he had some praises for the young pitcher but also added that he is not a lock for their rotation next year just because of how he pitched in the playoffs and that want to see improvements heading into Spring Training.
«I think he's in a pretty good position, load-wise,» Atkins said, according to Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star. «We'll talk through that with him and see if there's something to manage on the workload standpoint but it's more about not resting (on his post-season achievements) and making sure that we're getting better.» -Atkins
Clearly Atkins is not stating that there is no chance that Yesavage is in the Blue Jays starting rotation for 2026 but this is a bit of a warning shot to the young pitcher that they do not want him sitting back on his performance from 2025.
While Yessavage was a massive part of the Blue Jays roster in the post-season, Blue Jays have seen many times pitchers come in and dominate for a short period of time before disappearing.
Clearly the Blue Jays want to make sure that Yesavage is ready to put in the work and are doing everything they can to make sure he builds off of his performance in the playoffs.
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NOVEMBRE 9 | 2707 ANSWERS Ross Atkins explains why Trey Yesavage might be left out of the Blue Jays starting rotation in 2026 Should Trey Yesavage be in the Blue Jays starting rotation next year no matter what? | ||
| Yes | 2445 | 90.3 % |
| No | 262 | 9.7 % |
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