Toronto Blue Jays prospect CJ Van Eyk is regaining form in the Mexican Winter League, posting strong numbers that could earn him a spot in the organization's rotation. Amid rumors of trading veteran Jose Berrios, Van Eyk's performance highlights his potential as an 'exciting arm' for the team in 2026. The 27-year-old right-hander was once a top draft pick but has been sidelined by injuries.
The Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff is shaping up for 2026 with a solid core including Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce, and Jose Berrios. However, young talents like CJ Van Eyk are pushing for opportunities. Selected in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft from Florida State, Van Eyk was projected as a front-of-the-rotation starter but suffered a setback with Tommy John surgery, missing the entire 2022 season.
Now 27, Van Eyk is excelling with Aguilas de Mexicali in the Mexican Winter League, where he has gone 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA over nine starts. He has struck out 53 batters in 49.2 innings pitched, signaling a strong recovery. In 2025, he split time between Double-A and Triple-A, recording a 6-10 mark with a 4.79 ERA in 27 appearances, including 24 starts.
Van Eyk ranked as the 18th-best prospect in the Blue Jays system according to MLB Pipeline in 2024 and is viewed internally as one of the most promising pitchers. "Van Eyk has been circled by several people within the Blue Jays organization as one of the most exciting arms in the system," an article noted. "Toronto is seeing all the building blocks that made him a second-round pick again. Now that he’s finally escaped the complex, Van Eyk can begin his long-delayed climb."
His fastball sits at 93-95 mph with a two-seamer, complemented by an effective curveball and slider. While his workload requires monitoring due to past injuries, there is optimism he could return to form quickly if healthy.
Adding intrigue, Jose Berrios emerges as a trade candidate. The right-hander struggled in the second half of 2025, pitched through injury, lost his rotation spot, and was absent from the playoff roster. He even departed the team before the World Series, leading to speculation of a separation. Berrios has three years remaining on his seven-year, $130 million contract. A trade could open a rotation spot for prospects like Van Eyk.
