Blue Jays 2025 Pitchers: Rotation, Additions, Ace

If you’ve followed the Toronto Blue Jays through 2024, you already know the pitching staff was solid but not dominant. The 2025 rotation returns its core trio of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt — but the question is whether those three can elevate the team from good to dangerous, and here’s a stat-grounded look at what to expect from the mound in Toronto this season.

Kevin Gausman ERA (2024): 3.68 ·
Jose Berrios ERA (2024): 3.60 ·
Chris Bassitt ERA (2024): 3.87 ·
Blue Jays Team ERA (2024): 3.85 ·
Blue Jays Strikeout Leader (2024): Kevin Gausman (221 K)

The five key stats that frame the Blue Jays’ 2025 pitching story — a rotation anchored by veterans, a top-tier closer, and payroll flexibility that keeps the front office active.

Who are the Blue Jays starting pitchers in 2025?

The projected rotation enters the season with three locked-in veterans at the top and a competition for the final two spots. Here’s how the staff shapes up as of spring training 2025.

Projected Opening Day rotation

• Kevin Gausman — Expected to lead the rotation after striking out 221 batters in 2024 with a 3.68 ERA (MLB.com)
• Jose Berrios — Returned as an All-Star caliber arm, posting a team-best 3.60 ERA among starters (Baseball-Reference)
• Chris Bassitt — Veteran stabilizer who delivered 186 innings with a 3.87 ERA (Baseball-Reference)
• Yariel Rodriguez — Signed to a multi-year deal in 2024; being stretched out in camp as a potential No. 6 starter (Baseball America)
• Bowden Francis — Called a “deep sleeper” who could surpass Rodriguez as a regular rotation option (Pitcher List)

Likely order: Gausman, Berrios, Bassitt, Rodriguez, Francis

Depth options include Eric Lauer, who is being considered for starting duties rather than bullpen duty, and prospect arms who could push for midseason call-ups (Pitcher List).

The pattern: The top three are proven, but the back end is a bet on development. If Rodriguez or Francis falters, the Jays have limited experienced depth behind them.

Who is the Blue Jays best pitcher right now?

Three strong candidates emerge when you look at 2024 performance — each brings a different strength to the rotation.

Kevin Gausman as ace

• Led the team in strikeouts with 221 in 2024 (Baseball-Reference)
• Finished top 5 in Cy Young voting in 2023 (MLB.com)
• Carried a 3.68 ERA across 183 innings (Baseball-Reference)

Jose Berrios as consistent performer

• Posted a team-low 3.60 ERA among starters in 2024 (Baseball-Reference)
• Allowed a 1.15 WHIP, best on the staff (MLB.com)
• Made an All-Star appearance in 2023 (MLB.com)

Chris Bassitt as veteran stabilizer

• Logged 186 innings with a 3.87 ERA (Baseball-Reference)
• Brings a durable presence to the middle of the rotation (Baseball America)
• Fastball reaches 96 mph with solid life down in the zone (Baseball America)

Who is the new pitcher for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays’ most notable new arm for 2025 is Yariel Rodriguez, signed to a multi-year deal in early 2024. He comes from the NPB in Japan, where he posted a 3.51 ERA as a starter. The team is stretching him out in spring training as a potential No. 6 starter (Pitcher List). The front office also re-signed reliever Yimi Garcia and could still add another starter via trade or free agency before Opening Day.

“Pitcher List described Rodriguez as a hard-throwing righty with an elite slider, but noted that he lacks support for that pitch and should not be trusted for six productive frames until he develops a reliable additional offering.”

— Pitcher List scouting analysis

Who is the 22 year old pitcher for the Blue Jays?

The youngest blue-chip arm in the organization is Ricky Tiedemann, a left-hander born in 2002. He is widely regarded as the Blue Jays’ top pitching prospect and is expected to make his MLB debut at some point in 2025 (Baseball America). Tiedemann features a mid-90s fastball and a swing-and-miss slider.

“Baseball America projects Tiedemann as a mid-rotation starter with the ceiling of a No. 2, but his career-high innings load remains a concern for durability.”

— Baseball America prospect report
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Other young pitchers in the system include Adam Macko (LHP) and Chad Dallas (RHP), both of whom could reach the majors by late 2025 or 2026.

Who is the ace pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays?

Since signing in 2022, Kevin Gausman has been the de facto ace. He finished top 5 in Cy Young voting in 2023 and led the team in strikeouts in 2024. However, Jose Berrios’ 2024 numbers — a 3.60 ERA and 1.15 WHIP — make a case for co-ace status. The staff lacks a true No. 1 in the mold of a Gerrit Cole, but the top two give Toronto a competitive 1-2 punch.

Related reading: Every Blue Jays Starting Pitcher Analyzed for 2025 · Prospect Scouting Reports for Every Blue Jays Player Ahead of 2025 World Series

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