The 35-year-old right-hander has been a reliable bullpen arm for Toronto in recent seasons, often functioning as a setup man. He pitched well in 2024 with a 2.70 ERA and five saves before being traded to Seattle midseason, then re-signing with the Blue Jays on a two-year, $15 million deal. He posted a 3.86 ERA with three saves in 22 appearances in 2025 before his elbow issues prompted surgery halted his season.
Toronto is left to fill Garcia’s role in the bullpen on Opening Day. If a save situation arises, closer duties could fall to Jeff Hoffman, with Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland among the options to step into high-leverage spots. Rogers, who signed a three-year, $37 million deal in the offseason, has posted strong ERAs in recent campaigns and brings a submarining style that the Blue Jays hope can bridge the gap until Garcia’s return.
Louis Varland, acquired in Toronto’s reliever reshuffle, showed promise with a 2.02 ERA in the first half of 2025 after coming from Minnesota, though his effectiveness varied after the trade. Braydon Fisher emerged as a depth option, delivering notable strikeouts and a winning record last season, though he has not often pitched in late-inning high-leverage situations.
Garcia’s injury updates and the bullpen’s early options remain a focal point as Toronto begins its season. The team will monitor Garcia’s rehab progress while preparing for multiple relief scenarios in the early weeks of the schedule. This development comes as Toronto aims to maintain momentum from its recent postseason run and continue building depth behind its rotation and closer role.
