Interview: Blue Jays' submariner Tyler Rogers discusses what he has to offer new team
Photo credit: 6ix Inning Stretch Podcast - x.com
Toronto Blue Jays submariner Tyler Rogers joined the 6ix Inning Stretch Podcast to discuss his first Spring Training in Dunedin, and what he has to offer his new team.
For the first time in his career, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Tyler Rogers felt like he was being recruited in the off-season.
The Blue Jays were interested right from the start of free agency, with the two sides eventually agreeing to a three-year deal worth US$37 million.
Rogers recently joined the 6ix Inning Stretch Podcast to talk about his first Spring Training with the organization, his transition to Dunedin, and what he brings to his new club.
“This will be my first spring training not only with a different team, but also outside of Arizona,” Rogers said. “So Florida will be new for me as well. I went into free agency with a pretty open mind. I didn’t have any specific expectations — I just wanted to listen and see how things played out.”
Blue Jays made an immediate impression on Rogers from the beginning.
“On the first day of free agency, the Blue Jays were the first team to reach out,” Rogers explained. “That sticks with you. From there, they kept checking in and staying in contact. It felt like they were the frontrunners right from the start.”
When an offer eventually came across the table, the decision was straightforward.
“They made an offer and I thought, ‘That sounds pretty good. Let’s do it,’” Rogers said. “It wasn’t anything too wild, but I’m really happy I ended up in Toronto.”
When an offer eventually came across the table, the decision was straightforward.
“They made an offer and I thought, ‘That sounds pretty good. Let’s do it,’” Rogers said. “It wasn’t anything too wild, but I’m really happy I ended up in Toronto.”
One of the more intriguing storylines surrounding Rogers’ arrival is the contrast between his unique submarine delivery and the Blue Jays’ other extreme release points — most notably right-hander Trey Yesavage, who throws from a near-over-the-top arm slot.
The gap between the two pitchers’ release points measures roughly 5.8 feet, with Yesavage releasing at approximately 7.1 feet and Rogers at just 1.3 feet.
The stark difference has sparked speculation among fans about a potential tandem approach designed to dramatically alter hitters’ eye levels.
Rogers is aware of the buzz but remains focused on the basics.
“Yeah, that’s definitely been brought to my attention,” he said. “I’ve seen the video floating around. If it ends up working as well as it looks, then great — we’ll have something special going. But when I’m pitching, I’m not thinking about my release point. I’m focused on what every pitcher thinks about: getting ahead, staying in the zone, and understanding the situation.”
Despite the deception his delivery creates, Rogers insists his mindset is simple.
“In my mind, I’m throwing as hard as I can every time,” he said. “I’m not trying to trick anyone. I’m attacking hitters, trying to stay in leverage and control the count.”
As he prepares for his first spring with a new organization, Rogers has already put in significant work this offseason, eager to make a strong first impression.
Florida — and eventually pitching north of the border — will be unfamiliar territory for the veteran submariner.
But as Spring Training approaches, Rogers is embracing the challenge and is ready for whatever lies ahead with the Blue Jays in 2026.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 29|36 ANSWERS Interview: Blue Jays' submariner Tyler Rogers discusses what he has to offer new team Do you think Tyler Rogers submarine style will give batter fits in the American League? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 91.7 % |
| No | 0 | 0 % |
| Too early to tell | 3 | 8.3 % |
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