The Toronto Blue Jays are in the midst of a turbulent season, and the roster moves keep coming as they try to find their footing. After a disappointing start that has left them at 18-22 and third in the AL East—a far cry from their American League pennant-winning form—the team is shaking things up.
First, the good news that turned sour: Addison Barger was supposed to be the spark. The young outfielder was a key contributor last season, smashing 21 home runs and hitting an incredible .480 in the World Series. His return was highly anticipated, but it lasted just one game. Barger has been placed on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, a tough blow for a team already dealing with injuries to key players. In that lone game, though, he did something remarkable—he recorded the fastest outfield assist in MLB this season, firing a 101.2 mph throw to nail Jorge Soler at the plate. That kind of arm strength is exactly what the Jays need. While his .045 batting average in 22 at-bats looks rough, it's a tiny sample size, and there's every reason to believe he can bounce back to his 2025 breakout form.
On the pitching side, the Blue Jays have designated left-hander Eric Lauer for assignment. Lauer, who had a stellar 2025 campaign with a career-low 3.18 ERA over 104 2/3 innings, has struggled mightily this season. His ERA sits at 6.69 across 36 1/3 innings, with a troubling 1.49 WHIP. He had been vocal about wanting to remain a starter, and with Toronto's rotation hit hard by injuries, he got his wish—but he couldn't deliver. The DFA feels like a necessary shake-up for a team that needs a jolt.
These moves signal that the Blue Jays are desperate to turn things around in a wide-open American League. Whether it's waiting for Barger's return or finding a new arm to stabilize the pitching staff, Toronto is hoping these changes will help them climb back into contention. Stay tuned—this team isn't done making moves yet.
