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1 hour ago
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Spencer Miles didn't seem like a guy who would make an MLB roster for 2026 Opening Day.
But that's exactly what the right-handed pitcher has done with the Toronto Blue Jays, and it's worth looking at just how improbable this is.
It's something that really only can happen thanks to the Rule 5 Draft. Players picked in that weren't on their old team's 40-man roster, but with their new team, they have to remain on the MLB club all year or otherwise be offered back to their former team.
The Blue Jays wouldn't have taken Miles if they didn't think he had a chance, but they clearly saw something in him that doesn't show up on a page.
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Miles was drafted in 2022 and threw a total of 7.1 innings between Rookie ball and Low-A.
He didn't pitch at all in 2023.
In 2024, Miles threw 7.1 innings back at the Rookie level.
In 2025, he didn't pitch at all.
And now he's in the bullpen on 2026 Opening Day for the team that went to Game 7 extra innings of the World Series before losing.
Rule 5 is so awesome because the concept of going:
2022: 3.0 IP at Rookie Ball // 4.1 IP at Low-A
2023: DNP
2024: 7.1 IP at Rookie Ball
2025: DNP
2026: MLB bullpen for reigning AL Champions
Is just very funny. Good for Spencer Miles 👍👍👍 https://t.co/8ociqSrLxe
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Miles is 25 years old and clearly has good stuff, but what a rise. The dude has never pitched above Low-A, and on Friday, he'll be in the major leagues with the Blue Jays.
Sports are cool, and moments like this are a quirky reminder of that.
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