The Blue Jays have a pitching development problem
Photo credit: MiLB
The team's latest whiff on free agent Corbin Burnes - who recently signed a six year pact with the Arizona Diamondbacks despite higher offers from the Jays, Giants, and Orioles - only furthers the narrative that the Jays can't attract big stars.
The issue, especially when it comes to pitching, is deeper than that.
The Blue Jays have been able to sign big name free agents in the past, and quite recently as well. George Springer, Hyun-jin Ryu, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, etc. Even the futile 90s brought Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco north of the border.
And yet for all that success, the Blue Jays have struggled to develop a homegrown pitching star.
Sure, Roy Halladay and Chris Carpenter had stellar careers but both have been retired for over a decade. Injuries robbed Dustin McGowan of so much potential. Aaron Sanchez had one good season and hasn't played in the big leagues since 2022. Marcus Stroman has found success, but hasn't really stuck with any one team.
Big Nate Pearson was supposed to the next great saviour, but he could never stay healthy or get his fastball under control. Dealt to the Cubs, he still has it in him to have a great career, but at 28, time is running out.
Alek Manoah looked like he could be the godsend, but after his all-star season, he pulled a Ricky Romero, lost all confidence, and then got hurt. He's now out for most of 2025.
The two top guys in the minors - Ricky Tiedemann and Brandon Barriera - are both recovering from Tommy John surgery. While Barriera could be back by end of April, iedemann will be out until at least July, if not longer. Both of them are still young, but with Tiedemann especially, questions arise about if they can stay healthy.
Trey Yeasavage - the Blue Jays number one prospect - has promise, but he is still just 21 and is probably at least two years away. Therein lies the fundamental problem of the Blue Jays development program.
Pitching coach Pete Walker is renowned for his ability to turn major league pitchers around. Blue Jays fans have seen it with Robbie Ray, Steven Matz, and Yusei Kikuchi. Now if there was only someway to due that at the minor league levels.
As the saying goes, you can never have too much pitching.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 275 ANSWERS The Blue Jays have a pitching development problem Who is the Blue Jays next great pitching prospect? | ||
| Ricky Tiedemann | 100 | 36.4 % |
| Brandon Barriera | 14 | 5.1 % |
| Trey Yeasavage | 53 | 19.3 % |
| none of them | 108 | 39.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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