The Toronto Blue Jays may have found something valuable in Spencer Miles, and it isn’t necessarily a permanent spot in the starting rotation. The rookie right-hander has shown he can handle several jobs, from opening games to covering multiple innings in relief. Now the Blue Jays face an interesting decision: should they turn that versatility into a starting opportunity, or keep using him where he has already been successful?
Miles finished his rookie season with a 2.63 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts against 25 walks over 95.2 innings. Those are impressive numbers for a pitcher who made eight starts and 41 relief appearances. He also recorded two saves, demonstrating that Toronto trusted him in different situations.
Another part of this story is worth remembering. Miles missed the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and threw only 16 innings combined in 2024 and 2025. His 2026 workload was a substantial step forward after that difficult stretch.
The Starter-or-Reliever Question
Toronto general manager Ross Atkins has said the organization hasn’t decided which role Miles will fill in 2027. That’s understandable. Starting requires a different workload and preparation than relieving, and the Blue Jays must consider how much more they can reasonably ask of a pitcher with Miles’ injury history.
His results suggest there’s a case for giving him a longer look in the rotation. But his success in relief is difficult to ignore, too. Miles repeatedly handled short outings, bulk-relief assignments, and opening duties. In September, he recorded 13 consecutive scoreless innings, and his latest start against Texas produced three scoreless frames with four strikeouts, two hits allowed, and no walks.
The question isn’t simply whether Miles can start. It’s whether stretching him out is the best way to help both the pitcher and the team.
Why Flexibility Could Be His Biggest Asset
Blue Jays fans understandably look toward the rotation when thinking about offseason improvements. But a reliable pitcher who can move between roles gives a manager options when injuries, workloads, or unexpected struggles disrupt the plan.
Miles could become a starter if Toronto needs one, or remain a versatile bullpen arm who can cover important innings. Neither path should be viewed as a lesser achievement. The Blue Jays don’t have to settle the question before spring training. They need to assess their offseason rotation additions, monitor Miles’ workload, and give him a fair opportunity to show what he can handle.
For a pitcher who has already overcome a long interruption in his development, simply reaching this point is significant. His next step isn’t necessarily about throwing more innings. It’s about finding the role in which he can keep getting outs—and help Toronto win.
Related: Could the Blue Jays Roll the Dice on Andrew Abbott? Is He Worth a Risk?
