Buzz cuts, winter leagues and comebacks. On the next wave of #BlueJays pitching depth: www.nytimes.com/athletic/709...

#BlueJays Roster Projection 2.0, with a WBC player to focus on for each position group: www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

“He’s earned the right to yell at me.” New column: The Blue Jays didn’t “need” Max Scherzer 2.0. So why is he back in Toronto? Let’s talk about the magic of Mad Max www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

As the #BlueJays creep towards Opening Day, @mitchbannon.bsky.social joins me and @jneginshecter.bsky.social on the Bird's Eye View Podcast to break down some of Toronto's top Spring Training storylines, including Kazuma Okamoto's arrival, how the rotation is shaping up and more. All links below:

We're back with another episode of Blue Bird Territory w/ Ricky Romero and Kevin Pillar. In this episode we hit on... - Jays to watch at the WBC (plus Ricky's Dante Bichette Jr. connection) - Some more mailbag questions - And more WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEN4...

🎙️ Rates & Barrels ⚾ @timbritton.bsky.social joins to discuss the Mets' busy offseason, @mitchbannon.bsky.social drops by for Blue Jays talk, and @zackmeisel.bsky.social is here to break down the Guardians' quiet winter.... Audio: podfollow.com/rates-barrels YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/RatesBarrels

Ben Cowles, Blue Jay for 11 days. The Cubs have claimed Cowles back on waivers from the #BlueJays, the teams announce

Back for another Blue Bird Territory with Pillar and Romero. We hit on: - Why Max came back, how he fits in - How Eloy Jiménez can make the #BlueJays - Setting expectations and predicting Vladdy's 2026 season www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Br...

“I've never been in a room full of grown men who were all crying.” New from me: It’s possible the Blue Jays could be even better in ‘26 than they were in their magical run to the World Series. But first they had to cope with the shock of losing Game 7 www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

Brendon Little hit 98.1 mph with his four-seamer today. It's a different pitch this year (on top of a new slider and his old sinker/power curve). He topped out at 96.3mph with his old 4-seamer in '25 and sat 94.4mph with it. If he can zone it, that's intriguing #BlueJays

#BlueJays fans 🤝 Brooke Scherzer Happy that Max is back www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

From last night, Max Scherzer returns to the #BlueJays. Some info on the contract details and how he fits: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

In his first two years in MLB (2020,21), Cody Ponce threw just 2 pitches over 95.0 mph. His first 3 pitches of 2026 spring training: 95.2, 95.7, 96.0 If it wasn't already clear, this isn't the old Cody Ponce #BlueJays

#BlueJays RHP prospect Grant Rogers said he was "blessed to get an opportunity" to face a stacked Yankees lineup. The 6'7" starter found out NY's lineup this morning:

Ricky Tiedemann had some elbow soreness. Went for an MRI, showed nothing structural. Will take about a week off #BlueJays

“Today, I had nothing in my mind. It was clear. Thank God, I’m back. I’m healthy.” More about José Berríos' mysterious 2025 season continues to trickle out. But the #BlueJays need a him healthy and hauling innings this season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

José Berríos said after his outing today that this time last year he already had doubts with his health. Pitched through what he learned in September was a bicep tendon issue. He feels 100% now. “I’m back. Thank god I’m healthy, I'm back.” #BlueJays

The Blue Jays covet Lauer’s flexibility. He wants to start. They’re two concepts that may not be able to coexist: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

From 100 to 0. How do you go from Game 7 of the World Series to a meaningless spring contest? A look at a new start for the #BlueJays: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Eric Lauer is ready to be the #BlueJays’ 6th starter or long reliever to start the year. If he’s needed to do both, he will. But, it’s clear his preference is the rotation. His quotes after his outing today:

Schneider on #BlueJays early spring ABS strategy: “We've told the main guys don't be afraid to do it, not really worrying about game state or inning or anything like that, just to kind of gage their zone as we get into it.” Jays will lock in on strategy and such later

The plan is two innings max for Lauer in Spring Game 1 and around 2 ABs for all the #BlueJays’ starters, Schneider said.

Another sign of the #OkamotoEffect: a small "Daikin" ad in left field at TD Ballpark. The Osaka-based HVAC company is also the Astros stadium sponsor

#BlueJays baseball will be played today. Here are a few players worth watching throughout Grapefruit League action: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

#BlueJays Game 1 spring lineup: Ernie Clement Andres Gimenez Vlad Guerrero Jr Alejandro Kirk Addison Barger Kazuma Okamoto Daulton Varsho Davis Schneider Nathan Lukes

The #BlueJays are indeed talking reunion with Max Scherzer, as @bnsbaseball.bsky.social wrote this afternoon. The two sides are said to be in constant contact. Breaking down the latest and potential implications of a Scherzer return: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Answering your questions in a mailbag episode of Blue Bird Territory, with Kevin Pillar and Ricky Romero. We've got rookie stories, Vladdy 3B thoughts, ABS opinions and more: youtu.be/mmP0fpKZlo0

Kevin Gausman has been the #BlueJays' rotation anchor for a while, but nothing lasts forever. Gausman on winning, family and potential retirement: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

#BlueJays announce they've claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Cubs. Ranked as Chicago's #14 prospect in 2025 (Baseball America), he's a versatile defender (2B,SS,3B) with minor-league options. Jays needed some INF depth. Francis moved to 60 day IL to make room

Spring training is a lot of standing around watching baseballish things. So, I broke down what I’m seeing at #BlueJays camp so far: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

Louis Varland is once again warming in the #BlueJays bullpen

On two things the #BlueJays are trying to carry over from their 2025 playoff run: Vladdy and vibes. www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

In Korea, Cody Ponce wore #30 for C3P0 and his Star Wars love. This year, he’s wearing 66 for Order 66 (also it’s upside down #99 as an ode to Hyun Jin Ryu) #BlueJays

John Schneider on the #BlueJays entering 2026: “It's always good to have expectations, and it's good to have pressure, and it's good to have people know what you're about. … But even when you're an eyelash away from winning the World Series, everyone's starting with no record.”

George Springer, smiling after a sim AB against Tyler Rogers: “I hit it!” #BlueJays

#BlueJays Roster Projection 1.0. The Jays have a decision in the infield and a few bullpen spots to figure out in spring. Took a shot at projecting what they'll decide: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

The Big Oak in blue #BlueJays

Asked to describe himself, Kazuma Okamoto said “serious and manly” through his interpreter. He let out a smile and laugh after #BlueJays

Somewhere in there, Kazuma Okamoto is hitting off a tee #BlueJays

A #BlueJays spring bullpen notebook: - Brendon Little reflects on ‘25 lessons - WBC News: More Jays going - On Chase Lee and the funk www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

John Schneider was asked to confirm that Kazuma Okamoto’s flight from Japan arrived: “Last time I tracked a flight it didn’t go so well” (He’s supposed to get here at 4pm, he said) #BlueJays

Tyler Rogers, bringing the funk to Dunedin: #BlueJays

On the #BlueJays trading for Jesus Sanchez: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Ross Atkins said there are plenty of people with the #BlueJays who have played with/coached Jesús Sánchez before. Sounds like his power potential is the big draw for Toronto here, which makes sense after the loss of Anthony Santander "Like the ease of his power, and his swing."

The #BlueJays have acquired OF Jesus Sanchez from the Houston Astros in exchange for Joey Loperfido, the team announces.

José Berríos apologized for leaving #BlueJays in World Series. Now, the Jays need reliable La Makina back: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

José Berríos reflected on leaving the #BlueJays ahead of the WS last year. He said he’s apologized to his teammates and wants to put it in the past. “Just made maybe one, one bad decision to go back home, to keep working on my rehab and stay close to my family.”

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has arrived at #BlueJays spring training

If you missed Ep1 of Blue Bird Territory yesterday, Ricky Romero, Kevin Pillar and I will be recording 2x a week during spring. Subscribe, follow: Youtube: youtube.com/@BlueBirdTer... Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b... Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4WNhdt2... #BlueJays

From #BlueJays ST Day 1: - Who can step up after Santander/Bieber injury news - Scherzer/Bassitt reunion? - Cease adding pitches and hobbies - Okamoto visa update www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...