Blue Jays' Cody Ponce signing viewed as a 'sneaky-good' move

Jared Bloom

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Blue Jays' Cody Ponce signing viewed as a 'sneaky-good' move image

After coming off a World Series appearance in 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays are making it their mission to return in 2026. They have been one of the most aggressive teams so far this offseason. 

They went out and signed Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million contract, but that was not all. They also struck deals with Kazuma Okamoto, Tyler Rogers, and Cody Ponce. 

However, they still have to figure out the hole at shortstop. They did acquire Andres Gimenez in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, but Bo Bichette is still on the open market. 

MORE: Blue Jays release former Phillies, Pirates infielder to pursue NPB career

Blue Jays' Cody Ponce signing viewed as a 'sneaky-good' move

One thing that could separate the Blue Jays from other teams in 2026 is their starting rotation. Dylan Cease is expected to lead this group of starting pitchers and should pair well with Shane Bieber and Cody Ponce. 

Over the last four seasons, Ponce has played in the KBO and NPB, doing well there. There have been plenty of Americans who have returned to the MLB after going to the KBO with much success, and Ponce is looking to keep that trend going. 

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer believes this was a "sneaky-good" addition for the Blue Jays. He will be one to watch out for in 2026. 

"Between Merrill Kelly, Erick Fedde, and Chris Flexen, there's been enough recent success with MLB-to-KBO-back-to-MLB transitions for the Blue Jays to feel confident that what plays in Korea will also play in North America. And besides, they don't even need him to be an ace."

Rymer mentions that Ponce does not need to work as an ace. That will be on Dylan Cease. So, all Ponce has to do is go deep into games consistently, and he should be worth every penny.

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Editorial Team