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Toronto Blue Jays officially finalized two roster moves on Friday, confirming previously reported agreements with right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold and catcher CJ Stubbs.
Both players have joined the organization on minor league contracts and will attend spring training as non-roster invitees, adding depth across multiple positions as Toronto prepares for the 2026 MLB season.
While neither signing alters the club’s projected Opening Day lineup, the announcements provide clarity on Toronto’s approach to strengthening organizational depth following a busy offseason.
Connor Seabold adds pitching insurance
Seabold, now 30, enters Toronto Blue Jays system after a winding professional journey. Originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft, the Cal State Fullerton product was part of a notable 2020 trade that sent him to the Boston Red Sox alongside Nick Pivetta.
His time in Boston proved challenging, as Seabold went winless across two seasons with an ERA north of 10. He later spent the 2023 campaign with the Colorado Rockies, making 27 appearances while posting a 7.52 ERA.
In 2025, Seabold resurfaced with the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves, showing modest improvement with a 4.35 ERA in limited action.
Given Toronto’s established depth in both the rotation and bullpen, Seabold faces an uphill climb to secure a roster spot.
Still, the Blue Jays may view him as a low-risk arm capable of providing innings at the minor league level or becoming a trade asset if his performance trends upward.
CJ Stubbs joins as catching depth
Stubbs, 29, arrives with limited major league experience, having appeared in just one game for the Washington Nationals during the 2025 season.
A 10th-round pick by the Houston Astros in the 2019 MLB Draft out of USC, Stubbs has spent most of his career in the minors, where he owns a .206 batting average.
With Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman expected to handle catching duties at the major league level, Stubbs is likely to serve as organizational depth.
His presence offers insurance across the system while maintaining flexibility for Toronto Blue Jays’ player development staff.
Strategic depth moves
These signings reflect Toronto’s continued emphasis on bolstering depth without sacrificing roster flexibility. As spring training approaches, Seabold and Stubbs will have an opportunity to compete, even as their primary value may come behind the scenes rather than on the Opening Day roster.
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