Bisons parent looking for that final 90 feet
Dunedin, Florida… There is often a vibe and a buzz at any Spring Training complex tis time of year. But head to Dunedin, Florida, which has been the spring home for the Toronto Blue Jays since the franchise’s founding back in the 70s, and you can feel it right away…the anticipation is over the top.
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers staged a World Series that will be remembered for all time as one for the ages. So full of twists, of turns, of defining moments. But if there was one play, it was this one…
Game 7, bottom of the 9th, score tied at 4, the Blue Jays had runners at second and third, and Isaiah Kiner-Falefa was sent to third to pinch run. 90 feet. 90 feet to glory. 90 feet to that moment that would stand alongside Joe Carter’s walk off home run to win the World Series three decades earlier.
Daulton Varsho hits the ball to second, the ball comes to the plate. Kiner-Falefa was out. Barely. Confirmed by replay. The Dodgers would go on to win the game, and the
championship, in 11 innings.
Even with that disappointment, interest in the Blue Jays is off the charts. Expectations for a return to the World Series and unfinished business is all the talk in Dunedin.
Will the team be as good? Or better? And ready to take another run. Absolutely, say the pundits, and some former players with the Buffalo Bisons are ready to play a big role.
The biggest departure from the 2025 roster is that of former Bison Bo Bichette, who signed a free agent contract with the New York Mets. Literally going to “greener pastures”, Bichette spoke of his love for the team, the City of Toronto, while lamenting the stadium’s artificial grass playing surface and the long term effect that may cause to his career and longevity as a player.
Where the Blue Jays have made major strides in personnel is the addition of solid pitching help. Returning is ageless wonder Max Scherzer, signed to a one year contract. Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce are new to the starting rotation, adding impactful arms along with depth and flexibility.
That leaves a big third base signing with Kazuma Okamoto, and the rest of the projected lineup headlining familiar names… Springer, Kirk, Guerrero, Clement, Gimenez, Lukes, Varsho and Barger.
Addison Barger in particular is a player worth watching. He
played parts of four seasons in a Buffalo uniform before landing a permanent spot on the Toronto roster in 2025. His impact on the team’s playoff success was huge. And earlier this week, with the Jays spring season record at 2-7-2, Barger did what Barger does best… Launching a grand slam home run to right center field, giving his team a lead for a time against the Boston Red Sox. His team would go on to lose that game Monday by a 7-6 score, yet again Barger put on display of his power and run production ability, most importantly, showing a keen sense of meeting the moment.
There are still battles for an outfield spot or a utility role, with Davis Schneider, Myles Straw, Jonatan Clase and Joey Loperfido all looking for making a strong presence in March.
And how does all this shake out for the Buffalo Bisons?l
First of all, Casey Candaele returns for his sixth season as Bisons manager. He posted his best record back in 2021, with the team winning a division title and a 79-47 record. In 2025 he became the winningest manager in the Bisons modern era.
Familiarize with these names as the season opens…Josh Kasevich, Josh Rivera, Charles McAdoo, Sean Keys and Riley Tirotta. All infielders who can play different positions. Both Tirotta and Rivera spent significant time in Buffalo.
As for pitching, which cost the Bisons dearly in a disappointing 61-85 season last year, expect to see a cast of
new faces, including veterans such as Nic Enright and Josh Winckowski, who can pitch long innings and offer immediate call up help to Toronto if needed.
And the one intriguing name who we might, emphasis, might see in a Buffalo uniform at some point. Trey Yesavage.
Yes, that Trey Yesavage, whose 2025 career rocketed from A level baseball, through Buffalo, then on to Toronto and appearances in the World Series. This story book has many chapters to follow, and with the Blue Jays starting rotation quite crowded, Yesavage might see time in Buffalo to keep him fresh and work on his mechanics.
One walk through TD Ballpark in Dunedin, where ticket sales have been robust and excitement is high, you know that the 2026 season might be a season in Toronto like no other. And that the road to the World Series is paved right through Buffalo.
It all starts on Friday, March 27 at Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo, the 148th year of professional baseball in our city.
