Trey Yesavage works on adding curveball during spring training. [Image Source: ATHLONSPORTS]
Trey Yesavage, the 22-year-old right-hander, is heading into spring training with plans to refine his pitching skills, especially by incorporating a curveball into his repertoire. The former minor league standout, who rapidly advanced through all five levels of the Toronto Blue Jays organization last year, is preparing for what could be a pivotal season as he seeks to build on his impressive 2025. His focus on developing new pitches highlights his drive to succeed at the major league level during spring training in Dunedin, Florida.
A Remarkable Rise Through the Ranks and Major League Debut
Yesavage’s 2025 season was extraordinary, starting in Single-A ball with the Dunedin Blue Jays and climbing through every minor league level before earning a call-up to the major leagues in September. His steady progress culminated in a significant role during the Blue Jays’ postseason run all the way to the World Series. Over his three major league starts, he recorded a 1-0 win-loss record and posted a 3.21 ERA across 14 innings while striking out 16 batters. His postseason performance was equally strong, achieving a 3-1 record and 3.58 ERA over nearly 28 innings, with an impressive 39 strikeouts spanning multiple playoff rounds.
“It took a few days to just go through the entire season as a whole and just reflect, just realize how blessed I am,”
Yesavage said at the Blue Jays Player Development Complex.
Image of: Trey Yesavage
“Just talking with myself, just being in silence and seeing where my brain’s at.”
“I think just handling the moment at every level I went to, not changing myself and just being myself,”
he added, underscoring his mental approach as he prepares for another major campaign, noting that he remains eligible for the American League rookie of the year Award in 2026.
Securing a Spot in Toronto’s Starting Rotation for 2026
Following his breakout season, Yesavage is projected to join the Blue Jays’ starting pitching staff for Opening Day, aligning with established arms like Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Dylan Cease, and Cody Ponce. His height of 6-foot-4 and promising skill set positioned him last year as Toronto’s top-ranked prospect. The confidence from team leadership, including manager John Schneider, emphasizes expectations for Yesavage to navigate the challenges of a full major league season after his rapid ascent.
“It’s funny, this is his first major league camp, he wasn’t even here last year,”
Schneider remarked.
“I think for what he did on the biggest stage of the sport, it’s really almost unprecedented. So, we’re expecting him to get his bearings a little bit with first major league spring training and going into a major league season.”
Managing Workload and Building Stamina Without Strict Innings Limits
One notable adjustment for Yesavage this season involves handling a longer pitching schedule with fewer restrictions on innings pitched. While his workload was carefully controlled during 2025, the organization plans a more open approach for spring training and the regular season. Schneider emphasized the general philosophy toward pitching volume while addressing Yesavage’s development.
“Not trying to strike everybody out in spring training, make sure you’re ready for a long season,”
Schneider said, adding,
“But innings limit, we don’t really have one. I think if there’s areas during the schedule where you can take care of guys, whether it’s him or [Gausman] or [Ponce] or whoever, we’ll try to do that.”
Unique Pitching Style and Strategic Use in Games
An intriguing aspect of Yesavage’s pitching is his exceptionally high release point, which sets him apart even in a league full of talented arms. This extremity contrasts sharply with sidearm reliever Tyler Rogers, who recently signed a substantial three-year deal with Toronto and often pitches immediately after Yesavage. Their distinct delivery angles create unique challenges for opposing hitters, making their tandem a formidable sequence in games.
“I’m excited to see how the hitters react, because I’m sure they have never experienced anything like that,”
Yesavage commented.
Rogers, who has experience pitching after similar pitchers, downplayed concerns about the differences in arm angle.
“I really don’t think it’s much of a thing, no,”
Rogers said.
“I mean, it’s the same thing as having a righty you bring in a lefty, just a different look.”
Behind the plate, catcher Alejandro Kirk recognizes the importance of preparation to handle these varied deliveries effectively.
“I’ve just got to do my homework very well,”
Kirk said through translator Hector Lebron.
“It’s rare to see that in the game, two very different angles, but I’ve just got to be focused on that and do my homework like they do their homework, and we’re going to be fine.”
Adding a Curveball: A New Pitch in Development
Along with his existing arsenal — which includes a four-seam fastball (42.5% usage), slider (28.5%), and a splitter (26.4%), the latter being his primary out pitch — Yesavage has been experimenting with a curveball during the offseason. The challenge lies in executing the curveball effectively, especially given his over-the-top delivery style that aids his splitter but complicates the curveball’s deception without tipping off hitters.
“It’s not where I want it to be, so we’ll see about that,”
Yesavage explained, indicating that he will continue to work on mastering this pitch throughout spring training.
Anticipation Builds for Yesavage’s Continued Development
As the approaching spring training commences, all eyes will be on Trey Yesavage to see how his curveball develops and how he adapts to the demands of a major league season. His rapid rise last year, punctuated by noteworthy postseason performances, sets high expectations within the Blue Jays organization and among fans. The pitcher’s ability to maintain consistency, handle a workload without strict inning limits, and bring fresh elements like a new curveball will be crucial to Toronto’s rotation stability and success in 2026.
