Toronto Blue Jays just locked in 3 key players ahead of 2026 campaign

The Toronto Blue Jays are keeping three key players around for the 2026 season. 

With the Thursday arbitration deadline looming, the Blue Jays had four players whom they needed to ink to new contracts. GM Ross Atkins has thus far managed to land three of those players on one-year deals and avoid any additional arbitration hearings. 

Daulton Varsho was the biggest contract handed out by the Jays on Thursday, inking a one-year, $10.75 million deal. Fan favourite Ernie Clement followed behind with a $4.75 million contract, while backup catcher Tyler Heineman inked a $1,237,500 deal. 

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith broke both the Heineman and Clement deals, while the New York Post's Joel Sherman was on top of the Varsho contract. 

The moves bring the Jays' 2026 lineup into focus, with Varsho remaining in centre field to start the new campaign while Clement will return to the infield. Heineman is not expected to be an everyday player for Toronto, but he will fill in for Alejandro Kirk whenever needed. 

Varsho was a key part of the Blue Jays' offence last year, knocking out 20 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 71 games. He continued to be productive in the postseason with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 18 games, while also being an excellent defender out in centerfield. 

One of last season's biggest stories for the Jays was the emergence of Clement, who proved unstoppable in the postseason. The 29-year-old set a new MLB record with 30 postseason hits and was among the team's most dangerous and clutch hitters. His exact spot on the team is unclear for 2026, as the team may have a logjam in the infield if Bo Bichette returns. 

The only Blue Jays player eligible for arbitration after these signings is pitcher Eric Lauer. If an agreement is not reached, Lauer and the Jays will move forward with a scheduled arbitration hearing where each side will file separate numbers. 

The last time Toronto went into an arbitration hearing was last season with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., before agreeing to his current 14-year, $500 million contract in the days before the 2025 season opener.