So, what will Ponce’s role be with the Blue Jays? His most recent bounce-back provides some hints as to what Toronto’s front office might be envisioning for the upcoming season.
As a starter
The best way to deploy Ponce, from the Blue Jays’ perspective, would be in the starting rotation. Technically speaking, Toronto has more than enough pitchers in the rotation already with José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage. This would mean that Ponce doesn’t have a position as a starter in this stacked roster, but that’s only if all five starters can offer consistency and a solid number of innings.
Blue Jays, RHP Cody Ponce agree to 3-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB’s @Feinsand.
Ponce was named the KBO League MVP this past season, posting a 17-1 record and a 1.89 ERA.
The right-hander hasn’t thrown as many innings until 2025, but if his improvement in the KBO is any indication, he should be more than ready to take a stab at becoming an effective innings eater as a starter. His 2025 numbers in terms of innings pitched are similar to what Toronto’s starters usually sit around in a given year. The Blue Jays have a preference for a workhorse type of pitcher, and they are hoping Ponce will become the next man up in the rotation to offer even more stability down the line.
As a swing man
In case Ponce’s bid as a starter goes south next year (mostly whether the Jays trade Berrios or not), he could easily take on a role as a swing man instead. This would be what Bowden Francis did in 2023 and 2024 with the Blue Jays; Eric Lauer also played a similar role in 2025, further confirming his flexibility.
The Blue Jays are entering uncharted territory with Ponce, as most of his success comes from overseas at the pro level. Whether his most recent rebound will translate into success in MLB is an unknown and a gamble. But if his role in the rotation doesn’t pan out, Toronto would aim to turn Ponce into its next Eric Lauer, who can fill the roles in rotation and bullpen both. Playing in both capacities would give the Blue Jays more room to add different players to the roster, whether it be through trades or free agency.
If Ponce establishes himself as the Blue Jays’ long man in 2026, he and Lauer will likely share the duties to some degree in the relief corps. Ponce will certainly get his shot as a starting pitcher, given his latest accomplishment and the fanfare attached to his signing. The question will be how his pitches will work against MLB hitters and how quickly he can make necessary adjustments on the fly.
Should Ponce struggle with his starts and thrive in a relief role, the Blue Jays would still have a competent pitcher who can become a long or middle reliever who can step in to help the team succeed. It wouldn’t be the most ideal outcome, but Ponce’s role is more than just a starter if the team faces a potential logjam in the rotation or faces different challenges throughout next season.