Toronto Blue Jays make surprise cuts, releasing an outfielder and two pitchers

Mar 26, 2026 (11:40)

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Connor Cooke, Hunter Gregory, and Braden Barry depart the organization, opening vital developmental reps for the next wave of talent.

Saying goodbye to homegrown minor league talent is always a brutally tough part of the professional baseball business.

Fans genuinely invest their hearts into watching these young athletes chase their ultimate major league dreams every single summer.

Cooke (Age 26, Drafted Round 10, 2021 by Toronto Blue Jays) represents an especially heartbreaking story of raw potential.

The talented righty possessed an absolutely intriguing relief profile before severe arm injuries completely derailed his rapid organizational ascent.

Missing the entire 2025 season due to extensive Tommy John surgery is a devastating setback for any developing pitcher.

Gregory (Age 27, Drafted Round 8, 2021 by Toronto Blue Jays) also battled fiercely to climb the organizational ladder.

The right hander logged significant innings but ultimately fell victim to an incredibly crowded system overflowing with fresh arms.

There is a collective sense of profound respect among fans for every kid who proudly wears the uniform.

Barry (Age 24, Drafted Round 8, 2023 by Toronto Blue Jays) showed flashes of immense athleticism in the outfield.

Releasing these highly respected competitors is simply the harsh reality of operating a modern player development machine.

This organizational transition instantly clears vital minor league roster spots for the upcoming influx of elite teenage draft picks.

It gives our most explosive international signings the exact uninterrupted playing time they desperately need to properly flourish.

We need to see our absolute highest upside prospects getting everyday developmental reps instead of sitting on the bench.

Letting these three players go right now also respectfully gives them a genuine chance to catch on elsewhere.

A fresh start with a rebuilding franchise could be exactly what reignites their professional baseball journeys.

The front office is aggressively making the hard choices necessary to keep the talent pipeline flowing strong.

Hopefully these three players will be able to find new contracts before the start of the season.

Previously on Blue Jays Insider

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MARS 26\|177 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays make surprise cuts, releasing an outfielder and two pitchers Are you confident the organization is making the right moves to strengthen the minor league system?
Yes	158	89.3 %
No	19	10.7 %
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