Full Breakdown
Toronto Blue Jays Make Roster Adjustments Ahead of Opening Day
3/22/2026, 9:53:33 PM
Key Roster Moves: Seabold Released, Estrada Optioned to Triple-A
The Toronto Blue Jays have announced significant roster changes as they prepare for their 2026 Opening Day matchup against the Oakland Athletics on March 27. The team has opted to release right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold and option fellow right-hander Lazaro Estrada to Triple-A Buffalo. These decisions come as the Blue Jays finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
Connor Seabold, 30, was signed to a minor-league deal in January after a mixed performance in the previous MLB season, where he split time between the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves. During spring training, Seabold made six appearances, pitching 6.2 innings with a 6.75 ERA, striking out 13 batters but also allowing four walks and hitting three. His career statistics reflect struggles, with a 7.79 ERA over 119 innings pitched across four MLB seasons with teams including the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies. Following his release, Seabold is now a free agent and will seek opportunities with other teams.
Lazaro Estrada, 26, was also vying for a spot on the Blue Jays' opening-day roster but did not perform well enough during spring training. He pitched 11.1 innings across six games, posting a 4.76 ERA and striking out four batters. Estrada made his MLB debut in 2025, where he had a challenging start, allowing seven runs in 7.1 innings. His optioning to Triple-A Buffalo indicates the team's intent to further develop his skills while keeping him available for potential call-ups during the season.
Official Statements & Responses
The Blue Jays' management has not provided detailed comments regarding these roster moves. However, the decisions reflect a strategic approach to finalize the bullpen, especially given injuries to key pitchers like Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and José Berríos. The team is looking for reliable options to fill the gaps in their pitching lineup.
Criticism & Opposition
While the moves have not sparked significant public dissent, some analysts have pointed out the challenges both Seabold and Estrada faced during spring training. Critics suggest that the Blue Jays may need to reassess their scouting and development strategies, particularly for pitchers who have shown promise but have struggled to translate that into consistent performance at the major league level.
What's Next
As the Blue Jays prepare for their season opener, they will finalize their bullpen roster, which currently includes projected pitchers such as Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers, and Louis Varland. The team is expected to continue evaluating its options as the season progresses, particularly in light of the recent injuries to key players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The four-year major-league veteran was looking to earn a spot on Toronto’s roster out of spring training, but with this update, Seabold will now be looking for an opportunity elsewhere.” — Source
- “Now, he will be looking to make an impact with Triple-A Buffalo in hopes of landing a call-up to the Blue Jays’ roster during the season.” — Source
- “The big question mark heading into Opening Day is who’ll be a part of the bullpen.” — Source
These roster adjustments highlight the Blue Jays' ongoing efforts to optimize their team composition as they aim for a successful season following a disappointing end in the previous year.
