Ottawa Baseball Fans, It's Time to Rally Behind the Jays
Ottawa sports fans have plenty of reason to get excited this week — the Toronto Blue Jays have officially announced their 26-man opening day roster ahead of Friday night's season opener at the Rogers Centre.
After a tense final week of spring training cuts, outfielder Davis Schneider and relief pitcher Spencer Miles earned the last two spots on the roster. Meanwhile, infielder Leo Jimenez and reliever Angel Bastardo were designated for assignment, and Chase Lee was optioned down to Triple-A Buffalo.
Who Made the Team
The Jays are heading into the new season with 13 pitchers, two catchers, four infielders, and seven outfielders.
Pitchers: Dylan Cease, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, Kevin Gausman, Jeff Hoffman, Eric Lauer, Brendon Little, Spencer Miles, Tommy Nance, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, Max Scherzer, Louis Varland
Catchers: Tyler Heineman, Alejandro Kirk
Infielders: Ernie Clement, Andres Gimenez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kazuma Okamoto
Outfielders: Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Jesus Sanchez, Davis Schneider, George Springer, Myles Straw, Daulton Varsho
Key Names to Watch
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains the face of the franchise and the biggest fan favourite for Ottawa and Canadian baseball supporters coast to coast. With a stacked pitching rotation featuring veterans like Max Scherzer and Kevin Gausman alongside Dylan Cease, the Jays have serious arms heading into 2026.
That said, the injury list is a real concern heading into opening day. Outfielder Anthony Santander is out with a left shoulder labral tear, while four pitchers — Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Yimi Garcia, and Trey Yesavage — are all starting the season on the IL with various elbow and shoulder issues. It's a tough blow for a rotation that could have been one of the deepest in the American League.
Road Trip to the Rogers Centre, Anyone?
For Ottawa fans, the Rogers Centre is just a quick drive or train ride down the 401 — about four to five hours depending on traffic. Opening day on Friday night is always one of the most electric atmospheres at the ballpark, and this year's roster has enough talent to make for an exciting early stretch of games.
If you're planning a Blue Jays road trip this spring or summer, keep an eye on the schedule for weekend series — they tend to be the most fun for out-of-town fans, with more time to explore Toronto's waterfront and grab a meal before first pitch.
Whether you're watching from Section 113 or cheering from your couch in the Glebe, Canada's team is ready to play ball. Let's go Jays!
Source: blogTO
