Why the Blue Jays' new $37 million submarine reliever is a 'risk' for the reigning AL champions

Conor Liguori

Why the Blue Jays' new $37 million submarine reliever is a 'risk' for the reigning AL champions image

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider used three starting pitchers in Game 7 of the World Series, displaying a lack of trust in the club's bullpen. 

The Blue Jays have been one of the more active teams when it comes to signing pitchers this offseason, already securing deals with starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, and reliever Tyler Rogers.  

Rogers, a seven-year veteran, agreed to a three-year, $37 million contract with the Blue Jays, a deal ESPN's David Schoenfield gave a B+ grade

Rogers is very durable and led MLB with 81 appearances in 2025, a season split between the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. The right-hander posted a 1.98 ERA in 77.1 innings. 

There is one concern 

The Blue Jays could have struck gold with the Rogers signing, despite his opponents' extremely low swing and miss rate. However, age is a factor, writes Schoenfield. 

"The biggest risk here is Rogers turns 35 in a few days, but, while the contract was higher than projected, Rogers doesn't rely on velocity anyway, so he's a good bet to remain healthy and age well into his late 30s," Schoenfield wrote. 

Rogers can become a reliable setup man for Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman; it's just a matter of how long he can get away without velocity before hitters start picking up on his funky submarine throwing motion. 

Rogers and the Blue Jays hope they never do. 

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News Correspondent