The Toronto Blue Jays are more than eager to get back to the MLB World Series. While the uncertain future of Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker looms over them, they could consider a trade or two to clear space for them. However, even if that happens, they might not get both. After missing out on the best free agent closers with Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez, they countered by signing submariner Tyler Rogers. The ripple effect of that move is still being felt. They have recently agreed to terms with international free agents Isay Veras, Alieski Torres, and now Celwin Hurkmans.
While they still could make a trade or two for relievers, they continue to make signings a priority. Hurkmans is yet another pitcher signed by the Blue Jays. He was preceded by the additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, (the return of) Shane Bieber, Michael Plassmeyer, Travis Kuhn, and Spencer Miles. Additionally, Toronto had traded Johan Simon to the Detroit Tigers for Chase Lee.
But the addition of Hurkmans may be their answer to the New York Yankees‘ cost-efficient move of their own.
Toronto Blue Jays Sign Celwin Hurkmans
According to the Blue Jays’ transactions page, they signed Hurkmans to a minor-league contract on December 10th. That was the same day they made Ponce’s signing official and the Rule 5 draft.
Hurkmans is 6-foot-6 and weighs 194 lbs, according to his profile page. He also has one of the best names in baseball: Celwin Willem Adrianus Theodorus Hurkmans.
Not much is available online about Hurkmans. According to Honkbal Softbal, he is one of the biggest baseball prospects playing in the Netherlands. The other one is Tijn Fredrikze, who recently signed with the New York Yankees. Hurkmans will play the 2026 season in the Netherlands before crossing the pond to North America.
Hurkmans played a pivotal role in Talent TeamNL’s win at the Toulouse International Baseball Week in October 2025. In the final game against France, Hurkmans pitched five shutout innings with nine strikeouts. That performance earned him the game’s MVP award, an award he had previously won in the event’s opening game.
Hurkmans Signing Follows Trade Speculation
While the Hurkmans signing doesn’t signal that the Blue Jays will make a trade, a trade is likely to happen very soon. MLB insider Mitch Bannon took to social media to shed light on Toronto’s bullpen situation.
“#BlueJays’ bullpen is in an interesting place,” he wrote on December 13, 2025. “This will change (via injury, performance, or trades), but right now they have at least 16 realistic MLB options for 8 spots — and may still add RP depth by trading an outfielder.”
“With the additions of Lee and Rogers in the last 24 hours, the Jays do need to open up a 40-man spot soon, too,” he wrote in a follow-up post.
Here are the 16 pitchers he names as being bullpen options:
- Jeff Hoffman
- Tyler Rogers
- Yimi Garcia
- Brendon Little
- Louis Varland
- Tommy Nance
- Eric Lauer
- Jose Berrios
- Braydon Fisher
- Mason Fluharty
- Chase Lee
- Justin Bruihl
- Paxton Schultz
- Spencer Miles
- Angel Bastardo
- Yariel Rodriguez
If the Blue Jays enter the 2026 season without adding more pitchers, Hoffman’s closer job is safe.
Seven of those relievers can be optioned or exposed on waivers to clear space. Little, Varland, Fisher, Fluharty, Lee, Bruihl, and Schultz can be optioned to the Minor Leagues. But with only three options available to them, that leaves four players who could be exposed to waivers.
Rodriguez was recently outrighted, and with their Rule 5 additions and trading for Lee, they have a full 40-man roster. With this in mind, an option or trade needs to happen to create room.
Bichette, Tucker Can’t Sign Without Another Move
The Blue Jays can’t sign Tucker or Bichette without making a move either. If Toronto uses up three Minor League options, that frees up the space to make the Rogers signing official and add Bichette & Tucker.
This all depends on the player’s willingness to come to Toronto, or in Bichette’s situation, to come back to the team. Regardless of Bichette’s wishes, the Blue Jays will roster a competitive team with or without him.
Sadly for Toronto, Bichette has also been predicted to sign with another organization. One MLB analyst has predicted that the Yankees could pursue the slugger.
Buckle up, Blue Jays fans, there may be more transactions coming in the immediate future.
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