BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher CJ Van Eyk (58) walks to the dugout after warming up prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles on September 23, 2026, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of work ahead of them this offseason. After reaching the World Series in 2026, the organization will need to make several important roster decisions to improve in the wake of a major step back.

Toronto has already begun reshaping its roster, making a series of moves that have affected several players who spent time with the organization last season. And one of those decisions that might have gotten lost in the early offseason surge involved a former second-round draft pick who finally reached the major leagues this summer after years of development in the Blue Jays’ minor league system.

Toronto Blue Jays Rookie Elects Free Agency After Outright

On Monday, right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk returned to the open market as he was outrighted to the minors, electing free agency according to the official transaction log.

The Blue Jays announced the outright on the same day, opening the offseason with numerous minor transactions.

“Van Eyk lost his spot on Toronto’s 40-man roster amid their avalanche of moves to open the offseason,” George Bissell noted for NBC Sports. “The 28-year-old rookie posted a pedestrian 5.40 ERA across 11 2/3 innings during his first taste of the majors.”

Van Eyk had spent much of his professional career working toward a major league opportunity after being selected by Toronto in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, 42nd overall, out of Florida State.

Though his debut did not go as he might have hoped, his decision to elect free agency gives Van Eyk an opportunity to explore other organizations rather than remain in Toronto’s minor league system. And a reunion with the team could still be an option.

Toronto Blue Jays Reliever Ends Initial Stint After Long Road To MLB

Van Eyk’s departure represents the latest development in a professional career that has included considerable setbacks. After establishing himself as a promising college pitcher at Florida State, he joined Toronto’s organization with expectations that he could make a steady march toward the major league pitching staff.

His development, however, was interrupted by Tommy John surgery following the 2021 season, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 campaign. He subsequently worked his way back through Toronto’s minor league affiliates before finally making his major league debut on July 17, 2026.

Now that he has elected free agency, the former second-round pick will have an opportunity to reset.