Moreover, Tommy Nance is out of option years in 2026. That will pose some problems.
The 2025 season was a very under-the-radar type of season for the 34-year-old. Before the season began, he was designated for assignment as he was out of option years, but no team picked him up. Nance was re-added to the 40-man roster and called up to the big league roster in mid-July last season.
Over the course of 31.2 innings pitched, Nance authored a 1.99 ERA. Was it a product of the defence behind him? Probably not, as Nance’s FIP of 1.87 was even lower. That was thanks to not giving up a home run, while walking seven batters (5.6 BB%) and striking out 32 batters (25.4%).
There are levels to a sub-2.00 ERA, though. Last season, Rogers had a 1.98 ERA and 2.88 FIP in 77.1 innings pitched. Not only did the submarine pitcher do it over a much larger sample size, he also did it in higher pressure situations. Rogers finished with 32 holds, with just two blown saves and of those 77.1 innings pitched, 15 of them were considered high-leverage.
All but 7.2 innings Nance threw were in low-leverage. In his three innings of high-leverage, Nance gave up two earned runs, and four in total. Does that give Nance no value? Absolutely not, every team needs a reliever that can pitch in low-leverage situations in a blow out. But he’s lower than guys like Fisher and Varland in the circle of trust.
As good as Nance performed in 2025, making the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster an uphill battle for the 34-year-old solely because of his lack of options. He’ll either need to out-pitched players with options, such as Fisher or Little, or injuries will have to occur. Unlike last season, Nance would be claimed off waivers if he’s designated for assignment, so that isn’t a choice for the Blue Jays.
Either way, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with Nance this around the end of March.