The Toronto Blue Jays heavily depended on their bullpen during the 2026 MLB season due to injuries sidelining key starters like Cody Ponce, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer. Relievers such as Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher carried a heavy workload, pitching many innings to keep the team competitive. This bullpen strength eventually led to the midseason release of veteran pitcher Connor Seabold, who had been part of the Blue Jays and Tigers organizations earlier in the year.

In June 2026, the Kansas City Royals acquired Seabold from Toronto in a trade. However, his time with the Royals was short-lived and troubled by injury. He allowed five earned runs over five innings before suffering a lat strain, which placed him on the injured list for the remainder of the season. The Royals outrighted Seabold following the regular season, giving him the option to decline assignment and enter free agency, which he chose to do.

Seabold’s 2026 season was marked by multiple organizational moves. Initially signed by Toronto to a minor-league deal in January, he briefly joined Detroit before returning to the Blue Jays in May. After being designated for assignment by Toronto, he was traded to Kansas City, where injuries derailed his ability to establish himself. Prior to 2026, he had major league experience with the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies along with stints in other organizations.

Now a free agent at 30 years old, Seabold faces uncertainty as he recovers from his injury. Despite his setbacks, he has the opportunity to sign with a new team as he aims to regain his form and secure a more consistent role in the majors. His next career move will depend on teams willing to invest in his recovery and potential contribution as a right-handed pitcher.