"Roster flexibility is often the name of the game, and players with minor-league options provide teams with just that. The Toronto Blue Jays will begin spring training this month with a small group of out-of-option players - as will the sport's 29 other clubs. That means those players can't be assigned to the minors before first being designated for assignment (removing them from the 40-man roster) and clearing outright waivers. Any player entering their final option year also holds significance, too."
"As a refresher, here are the rules involving minor-league options: each player starts with three option years (one per season). Players can be optioned to the minors a maximum of five times each season. To be optioned a sixth time, a player must first be placed on outright waivers. An option year is burned once a player spends at least 20 days in the minors."
"Heineman is a pretty safe bet to break camp with the Blue Jays this spring, following his career year as baseball's best backup catcher, serving as a two-win backstop behind Alejandro Kirk - who also enjoyed the top all-around performance of his career in 2025. Nance impressed in his limited opportunities with the big-league club last season, pitching to a 1.99 ERA and 1.87 FIP with a 19.8 per cent strikeout-minus-walk rate (all career bests) over 31.2 in"
Minor-league option status provides teams with roster flexibility and influences decisions during spring training and the season. Players without options must be designated for assignment and clear waivers before being sent to the minors. Final option-year players face less DFA risk but can improve standing through strong exhibition and regular-season performance. Each player receives three option years; players can be optioned up to five times per season and a sixth option requires outright waivers. An option year is used once a player spends at least 20 days in the minors. The Blue Jays enter camp with only a few out-of-option players, including Tommy Nance, Tyler Heineman, and Leo Jiménez.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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