The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for the 2025 season with exciting plans for fan engagement and strategic additions to their roster. Announced on Saturday, the team will incorporate their City Connect alternate uniforms for 13 games, showcasing their commitment to creativity and local pride.
The introduction of these uniforms, first brought to life last May, will be celebrated during Friday night home games throughout the season. Fans can expect replica jersey giveaways on several key nights, including March 28 for Bo Bichette, May 2 for Chris Bassitt, May 21 for George Springer, May 30 for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., June 30 for Andres Gimenez, and July 18 for Jose Berrios. This initiative is part of the Blue Jays' wider promotional efforts planned for the 81-game home schedule at Rogers Centre.
Adding to the excitement, Guerrero bobbleheads will be distributed on March 31 and July 23, with additional bobblehead giveaway events set for April 30, May 14, July 21, August 13, and August 25. The team has stated over 75% of Toronto’s home games this season will feature some sort of promotional event or theme day, reinforcing their aim to engage fans and build community spirit.
The Blue Jays kicked off their pre-season schedule with a game against the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for their regular-season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on March 27 at Rogers Centre. This is shaping up to be an eagerly anticipated start for both the players and the fans.
On the tactical side, the signing of veteran pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a minor-league deal presents more than just another name on the roster; it’s a strategic move aimed at enhancing the pitching depth. While not making headlines initially, this kind of under-the-radar acquisition could prove invaluable.
Yarbrough, who previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, possesses the profile the Blue Jays are missing—someone who can provide cover for their aging starting rotation and contribute length out of the bullpen. Last season, Yarbrough recorded a remarkable 2.01 ERA over 31 1/3 innings, cementing his role as a reliable arm during pressures moments.
If things progress well during spring training, it’s very likely Yarbrough will carve out a significant niche within the team’s makeup. The primary pitching rotation is anticipated to consist of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, with Yariel Rodríguez projected for long relief.
A noteworthy factor for the Blue Jays is Rodríguez’s flexibility; he has been stretched out to begin this spring, which positions him to either step up as made necessary or transition back to Triple-A Buffalo for consistent starting action. Should the entire rotation be healthy at the outset, it’s possible Rodríguez will find his place within the bullpen, where his pitching style may thrive.
Adding another twist, various other pitchers including Jake Bloss and Adam Macko are also on the injured list. The Blue Jays, already grappling with depth concerns last year, are now benefiting from the additions of Yarbrough and Rodríguez, who present viable options should something go awry.
Yarbrough’s ability to limit opponents’ exit velocity, ranking him 97th percentile according to Baseball Savant, combined with his future potential, places him as the kind of pitcher who can add substantial value to the roster. His adeptness at pitch deception and management certainly compensates for his lower fastball velocity, making him versatile and desirable within the lineup.
While the signing suggests positive upticks, the Blue Jays are not immune to competitive pressures. Currently, they have positions filled with talent, but must balance health and productivity to meet the challenges of the season. Yarbrough is also not secured with long-term commitments, as he has opt-out clauses before the start of the season as well as May and June dates, prompting the need for him to perform if he wishes to stay.
All signs point to the Blue Jays aiming high for 2025, but with nuances present all over their roster, it remains uncertain how the team will perform over the long run. This season will test their ability to manage their roster effectively and respond dynamically to whatever challenges may come their way. Despite these uncertainties, the promotional strategies and roster enhancements, like signing Yarbrough, display the team’s commitment to ensuring both competitive performance on the field and engaging experiences for their fans.