The Toronto Blue Jays declined their $8 million club option on outfielder Myles Straw, making it the club’s first roster move of the offseason. The decision triggers a $1.75 million buyout for Straw, according to MLB.com.
Toronto won’t be on the hook for that buyout out of pocket. Cash considerations the Cleveland Guardians sent along in the original trade that brought Straw to Toronto before the 2025 season will cover the payout, per MLB.com.
The Terms Of The Option Decision
When the Blue Jays acquired Straw from Cleveland before the 2025 season, he was still owed $13.8 million across 2025-26 after spending much of the previous year in Triple-A for the Guardians.
That trade wasn’t really about Straw’s bat. Toronto’s main goal in the deal was adding international bonus pool money to chase Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. That pursuit ultimately fell through.
What It Means For Toronto’s Outfield
The move comes as the Blue Jays also lost outfielders Dalton Varsho and George Springer, both core pieces of recent rosters. Varsho appeared in 283 games over his two seasons in Toronto, batting .251 with a .662 OPS.
With Varsho and Springer gone and Straw’s option declined, Toronto’s outfield picture now centers on Nathan Lukes, Yohendrick Piñango, Davis Schneider, Anthony Santander and Jonatan Clase, with Addison Barger a possible addition if he’s cleared from elbow surgery. The emergence of Brett Bateman in 2026 also factored into the decision.
Straw didn’t arrive in Toronto with a guaranteed job. He opened 2025 spring training working with Triple-A groups rather than alongside Springer and Varsho in the big league outfield, but forced his way onto the roster and carved out a meaningful role. His impact went beyond the stat sheet, too. Coaches and teammates praised him for his presence in the clubhouse and for how he welcomed new players, per MLB.com.
Monday’s Other Roster Moves
The option decision was part of a broader set of moves Toronto made Monday. The Blue Jays reinstated every player on their 60-day injured list, a group that included right-handers José Berríos, Jake Bloss, Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce, outfielders Jonatan Clase and Anthony Santander, and right fielder Addison Barger.
Berríos and Francis, both recovering from Tommy John surgery, still have rehab ahead and can be placed back on the 60-day IL when spring training camps begin. Barger, who had right elbow surgery, might also need more time, but all others are expected to be healthy for 2027.
Separately, right-hander CJ Van Eyk cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A.
What’s Next For Straw And The Blue Jays
Straw heads into free agency with a strong impression on Blue Jays management and players. There could still be a path for him to return to Toronto on a different deal.
For the Blue Jays, the offseason roster shaping continues as they monitor recovery timelines for Berríos, Francis and Barger heading into spring training, while figuring out how to fill the outfield void left by Varsho and Springer’s departures.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
