What Happened
The Toronto Blue Jays recently showcased their new free-agent pitching acquisition, Cody Ponce, during a live game against the Detroit Tigers. In his debut, Ponce pitched one inning, striking out two batters and forcing a groundout, demonstrating increased velocity with his fastball exceeding 96 miles per hour on multiple occasions.
Why It Matters
Ponce, a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, has spent the last four years playing abroad in Japan and South Korea, where he excelled, earning the KBO MVP award with a 1.89 ERA and a 17-1 record in 2025. His performance in the Blue Jays’ spring training is significant as he represents a potential wild card in the team’s rotation for the upcoming season. The Blue Jays are hopeful that Ponce can regain his form and contribute effectively after a challenging stint in the majors in 2021.
What’s Next
As the Blue Jays continue their spring training, fans will be keen to see how Ponce develops alongside other regulars. The team is also monitoring the situation of Alek Manoah, who was released from the 40-man roster last September but has expressed support for his former teammates as they pursue success in the upcoming season. The Blue Jays’ next games will provide further opportunities for Ponce and other players to solidify their positions on the roster.
