The Toronto Blue Jays are at a crossroads. With a pressing need to strengthen their rotation, the possibility of reuniting with Anthony Kay, a left-handed pitcher who has found his groove in the Japanese league, arises. Kay, who was once part of the Blue Jays, has shown an impressive performance in the NPB, finishing the 2025 season with an ERA of 1.74 and a FIP of 2.55 over 155 innings.
But is his return to the MLB really feasible? Kay’s journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. After being acquired from the New York Mets in 2019, his numbers in the Major Leagues were not as expected, with an ERA of 5.48 over 70.2 innings.
After being designated for assignment in 2022, Kay found his place in Japan, where his performance has been remarkable. But can he replicate that success in the MLB with the Blue Jays? The Blue Jays’ rotation already features names like Eric Lauer, who shone in 2025 with an ERA of 3.18 over 104.2 innings. Additionally, young prospects like Ricky Tiedemann and Adam Macko are waiting in the wings.
The competition is fierce, and while a lefty like Kay could be useful, his inclusion in the main roster seems complicated without a minor league contract. The dilemma for the Blue Jays is clear: is it worth taking a gamble on Kay? His success in Japan is undeniable, but the transition back to the MLB is not always straightforward.
Other pitchers have followed similar paths, like Merrill Kelly, who also found success abroad before returning to the Major Leagues. However, each case is unique. For Kay, securing a Major League contract is a priority. His desire to be a starter might clash with the current needs of the Blue Jays, who could offer him a role in the bullpen if he accepts a minor league deal.
This option, though less glamorous, could be his gateway to proving his worth in the MLB. Ultimately, the decision for the Blue Jays will depend on their long-term strategy. With an already competitive roster, including Kay would only make sense if he can offer immediate and tangible value. Otherwise, his return might be more of a risk than a solution.
