The Toronto Blue Jays could be relying on an interesting pitcher in 2026 and beyond.
Toronto’s rotation appears to be set for the most part. It’s headlined by Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce, and Jose Berrios, giving the Blue Jays six starters.
Yet, some young arms could be pushing for playing time. One of them is CJ Van Eyk, who was once projected to be a front-of-the-rotation starter for the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays selected Van Eyk in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Florida State, but injuries have derailed his career. He underwent Tommy John Surgery, which forced him to miss the entire 2022 season. Since then, the right-hander has been trying to regain his form.
Van Eyk is now pitching in Mexico in the Mexican Winter League ahead of spring training and having a ton of success. The now 27-year-old is playing for Aguilas de Mexicali and is 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 9 starts, while he’s struck out 53 over 49.2 innings pitched.
The former top prospect for the Blue Jays is regaining his form and could be a starter at Triple-A in 2026. Which could lead up to his first MLB call-up. Last season, Van Eyk played in Double-A and Triple-A, and between the two spots, went 6-10 with a 4.79 ERA in 27 games, including 24 starts.
If Van Eyk could continue the success he’s having in Mexico in spring training with the Blue Jays, he could push for a spot start or be up should an injury happen.
Van Eyk Was Named an ‘Exciting Arm’ in Blue Jays system
Toronto had high hopes for Van Eyk when the team drafted him in 2020 out of Florida State.
In 2024, Van Eyk was the 18th-ranked prospect in the Blue Jays system according to MLB Pipeline. Van Eyk was also considered one of the most exciting arms in Toronto’s system.
“Van Eyk has been circled by several people within the Blue Jays organization as one of the most exciting arms in the system,” the article read. “Toronto is seeing all the building blocks that made him a second-round pick again. Now that he’s finally escaped the complex, Van Eyk can begin his long-delayed climb. Even if it’s a few years behind schedule.
“Van Eyk is throwing two shapes of a fastball now, working in a two-seamer, and is sitting 93-95 mph. This sets up his curveball, an excellent pitch that could be effective against MLB hitters. And a slider that plays well. Van Eyk’s workload will need to be closely monitored, given how his past few seasons have gone. But there is a surprising amount of internal belief that Van Eyk can get this back on track. And quickly, if his health cooperates.”
Although Van Eyk still hasn’t reached the majors, he’s taking all the steps possible for that to finally happen in 2026 and beyond.
Jose Berrios is a Potential Trade Chip for Toronto
The Blue Jays could create an opening in the rotation with a trade of Berrios.
Berrios struggled in the second half of 2025 and was left off the playoff roster due to an injury. He was so frustrated that he left the team during the World Series. That has led to him being named as a potential trade candidate, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.
“Most likely, though, Ponce’s addition could instigate a significant winter trade. The Jays, a league source said, are willing to listen on Berríos,” Bannon wrote. “The right-hander pitched through injury at the end of the 2025 season. He lost his rotation spot, wasn’t on Toronto’s playoff roster at any point. And departed from the team ahead of the World Series.
“While Berríos has been a steady figure in Toronto’s rotation and clubhouse since 2021, a separation may be best for both sides. Adding Ponce, instead of a cheaper rotation depth option, signals that separation may be increasingly likely.”
Berrios has three years left on his seven-year, $130 million deal.
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