The Toronto Blue Jays have officially signed Tyler Rogers, a right-handed pitcher known for his sidearm delivery, to a lucrative three-year contract valued at $37 million US. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $7 million in the upcoming year and $12 million in each of the following two seasons.
Rogers’ contract also features a potential $12 million vesting option for the 2029 season. This option would become guaranteed if he participates in 60 regular-season games in 2028 or 110 games combined in 2027-28, and passes a physical examination at the end of the 2028 season. Alternatively, if the vesting option does not materialize, there is a $9 million team option for 2029 with a $1 million buyout clause.
The 34-year-old Rogers, who led the majors this year with 81 pitching appearances split between San Francisco and the New York Mets, has been a consistent presence in the bullpen. His impressive track record includes 403 appearances and 406 1/3 relief innings since 2020, with a notable 2.76 earned-run average across 420 games for the Giants and Mets.
Rogers joins the Blue Jays alongside other pitching acquisitions, such as Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, as well as reliever Chase Lee obtained through a trade with the Detroit Tigers. In a corresponding move, left-hander Justin Bruihl has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Chase Lee, a 27-year-old pitcher hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, made his mark with the Tigers in his rookie year of 2025, showcasing a 4.10 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. His career in the minor leagues, spanning 163 appearances with 275 strikeouts in 204.2 innings, has been highlighted by a 4.13 ERA. Lee was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2021 and later traded to Detroit in 2024.