Blue Jays' Surprise Pitcher: Rule 5 Pick Miles

Spencer Miles, a name unfamiliar to most Toronto Blue Jays fans, is emerging as a potential surprise for the Opening Day roster. As a Rule 5 Draft pick, Miles must be kept on the MLB roster to remain with the team. His journey has been hampered by injuries, including back surgery and Tommy John, limiting him to just 14 2/3 career innings pitched in the minor leagues and preventing any upward momentum since his 2022 draft selection. Despite these challenges, the 25-year-old right-hander possesses a potent fastball that reaches nearly 100 miles per hour. His performance in a small sample size of minor league games includes a 4.30 ERA with an impressive 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Miles also demonstrated his strikeout potential in the Arizona Fall League, recording 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings at the end of the 2025 season. The Blue Jays' front office clearly sees considerable talent, and Miles has the opportunity to seize a bullpen spot if he continues to miss bats and throw strikes. The team's bullpen composition is expected to evolve throughout the season, potentially creating openings for a promising arm like Miles.