Mike Wilner
@wilnerness.bsky.social
Former voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, current Toronto Star baseball columnist and host of the Deep Left Field podcast (you should subscribe). Loves stand-up comedy, ‘80s music and my two incredible kids!
I like that these posts of mine get a few likes, but I’d rather you fill up the mailbag than like the skeet!
I’ll be recording this week’s new episode of Deep Left Field shortly and your #Bluejays thoughts a week into spring training are welcome at deepleftfield@thestar.ca - send me an email! Or two!
February 19, 2026 at 2:59 AM
I like that these posts of mine get a few likes, but I’d rather you fill up the mailbag than like the skeet!
I’ll be recording this week’s new episode of Deep Left Field shortly and your #Bluejays thoughts a week into spring training are welcome at deepleftfield@thestar.ca - send me an email! Or two!
February 19, 2026 at 1:54 AM
I’ll be recording this week’s new episode of Deep Left Field shortly and your #Bluejays thoughts a week into spring training are welcome at deepleftfield@thestar.ca - send me an email! Or two!
Really nice to see this. Hopefully he gets a chance there and thrives.
Houston Astros signed free agent 1B Cavan Biggio to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
February 15, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Really nice to see this. Hopefully he gets a chance there and thrives.
Reposted by Mike Wilner
With you on @wbalradio.bsky.social until 11. My sitdown with John Harbaugh airs in full at 7:30 and 10:30. Plus @wilnerness.bsky.social on Chris Bassitt and we talk curling with Olympic hero John Shuster and more.
AM 1090, FM 101.5 and www.wbal.com/audio
AM 1090, FM 101.5 and www.wbal.com/audio
Listen Live: WBAL Audio Feed | WBAL Baltimore News
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February 14, 2026 at 12:03 AM
With you on @wbalradio.bsky.social until 11. My sitdown with John Harbaugh airs in full at 7:30 and 10:30. Plus @wilnerness.bsky.social on Chris Bassitt and we talk curling with Olympic hero John Shuster and more.
AM 1090, FM 101.5 and www.wbal.com/audio
AM 1090, FM 101.5 and www.wbal.com/audio
Dropped a special episode of Deep Left Field today about #Bluejays trading Joey Loperfido to #Astros for Jesus Sanchez - check it out!
I misspoke at the end when I was wrapping it up, saying “always trade proven for potential” when I meant the opposite, but I said it correctly earlier, at least.
I misspoke at the end when I was wrapping it up, saying “always trade proven for potential” when I meant the opposite, but I said it correctly earlier, at least.
The Blue Jays trade Joey Loperfido for Jesus Sanchez
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-13 · 10m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:12 PM
#Bluejays make a trade - you get a quick-reaction bonus episode of Deep Left Field!!!
The Blue Jays trade Joey Loperfido for Jesus Sanchez
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-13 · 10m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:51 PM
#Bluejays make a trade - you get a quick-reaction bonus episode of Deep Left Field!!!
Ross Atkins tells reporters in FLA (including our @gregorchisholm.bsky.social) #Bluejays still Lukes to be a big part of things. He and Sanchez could play at the same time if Barger plays 3B and Okamoto sits.
Kinda weird that they’re planning for Okamoto to not be a regular regular, though.
Kinda weird that they’re planning for Okamoto to not be a regular regular, though.
February 13, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Ross Atkins tells reporters in FLA (including our @gregorchisholm.bsky.social) #Bluejays still Lukes to be a big part of things. He and Sanchez could play at the same time if Barger plays 3B and Okamoto sits.
Kinda weird that they’re planning for Okamoto to not be a regular regular, though.
Kinda weird that they’re planning for Okamoto to not be a regular regular, though.
#Bluejays got JoePerfido at the ‘24 deadline in the Kikuchi deal, #Astros got Sanchez at the ‘25 deadline for SP Ryan Gusto & 2 minor-leaguers.
We saw Loperfido’s potential last July, when he hit .358/.409/.508 in 30 games, but 4BB/23K.
Sanchez is a proven, solid platoon OF, but I’ll miss Joey.
We saw Loperfido’s potential last July, when he hit .358/.409/.508 in 30 games, but 4BB/23K.
Sanchez is a proven, solid platoon OF, but I’ll miss Joey.
February 13, 2026 at 3:36 PM
#Bluejays announce a 1-for-1 swap of left-handed-hitting OF:
Joey Loperfido, 26, goes back to #Astros for Jesus Sanchez, 28.
I’m a big fan of JoePerfido, who has yet to get a real shot.
Sanchez has a career .774 OPS vs RHP over 6 #MLB seasons, career-high is 18 HR.
Seems he gets Lukes’ job.
Joey Loperfido, 26, goes back to #Astros for Jesus Sanchez, 28.
I’m a big fan of JoePerfido, who has yet to get a real shot.
Sanchez has a career .774 OPS vs RHP over 6 #MLB seasons, career-high is 18 HR.
Seems he gets Lukes’ job.
February 13, 2026 at 3:27 PM
For the nightowls and overseasers, it’s today’s new episode of Deep Left Field!
@gregorchisholm.bsky.social from Dunedin as #Bluejays spring training opens!
John Schneider lists the injuries and gives Jeff Hoffman a far-from-ringing endorsement as closer!
Ross Atkins almost answers a question!
@gregorchisholm.bsky.social from Dunedin as #Bluejays spring training opens!
John Schneider lists the injuries and gives Jeff Hoffman a far-from-ringing endorsement as closer!
Ross Atkins almost answers a question!
The Blue Jays open spring training in sunny Florida, but under a cloud of injuries, plus the mailbag
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-12 · 1h 5m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:03 AM
For the nightowls and overseasers, it’s today’s new episode of Deep Left Field!
@gregorchisholm.bsky.social from Dunedin as #Bluejays spring training opens!
John Schneider lists the injuries and gives Jeff Hoffman a far-from-ringing endorsement as closer!
Ross Atkins almost answers a question!
@gregorchisholm.bsky.social from Dunedin as #Bluejays spring training opens!
John Schneider lists the injuries and gives Jeff Hoffman a far-from-ringing endorsement as closer!
Ross Atkins almost answers a question!
On today’s new episode of Deep Left Field, @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to discuss #Bluejays injury news as they open spring training and what happens now.
Also, we try to pin down Ross Atkins on a Shane Bieber timetable, John Schneider talks bullpen and we open the mailbag:
Also, we try to pin down Ross Atkins on a Shane Bieber timetable, John Schneider talks bullpen and we open the mailbag:
The Blue Jays open spring training in sunny Florida, but under a cloud of injuries, plus the mailbag
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-12 · 1h 5m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:08 AM
On today’s new episode of Deep Left Field, @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to discuss #Bluejays injury news as they open spring training and what happens now.
Also, we try to pin down Ross Atkins on a Shane Bieber timetable, John Schneider talks bullpen and we open the mailbag:
Also, we try to pin down Ross Atkins on a Shane Bieber timetable, John Schneider talks bullpen and we open the mailbag:
Reposted by Mike Wilner
IT’S A BRAND-NEW EPISODE OF DEEP LEFT FIELD!!!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
The Blue Jays open spring training in sunny Florida, but under a cloud of injuries, plus the mailbag
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-12 · 1h 5m
podcasts.apple.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:43 PM
IT’S A BRAND-NEW EPISODE OF DEEP LEFT FIELD!!!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
IT’S A BRAND-NEW EPISODE OF DEEP LEFT FIELD!!!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
The Blue Jays open spring training in sunny Florida, but under a cloud of injuries, plus the mailbag
Podcast Episode · Deep Left Field with Mike Wilner · 2026-02-12 · 1h 5m
podcasts.apple.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:43 PM
IT’S A BRAND-NEW EPISODE OF DEEP LEFT FIELD!!!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
This week, we go live to Dunedin where @gregorchisholm.bsky.social gives us the latest from #Bluejays camp.
Hear attempts to pin Ross Atkins down on a question.
Also, Closer controversy?
And the mailbag!
HAPPY DEEP LEFT FIELD DAY!!
Spring training is underway after #Bluejays shortest off-season ever and @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to talk about everything that’s going on down there!
Plus - Ross Atkins obfuscates on a Bieber timeline and the mailbag!!!
Coming this afternoon!
Spring training is underway after #Bluejays shortest off-season ever and @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to talk about everything that’s going on down there!
Plus - Ross Atkins obfuscates on a Bieber timeline and the mailbag!!!
Coming this afternoon!
February 12, 2026 at 3:49 PM
HAPPY DEEP LEFT FIELD DAY!!
Spring training is underway after #Bluejays shortest off-season ever and @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to talk about everything that’s going on down there!
Plus - Ross Atkins obfuscates on a Bieber timeline and the mailbag!!!
Coming this afternoon!
Spring training is underway after #Bluejays shortest off-season ever and @gregorchisholm.bsky.social joins me from Dunedin to talk about everything that’s going on down there!
Plus - Ross Atkins obfuscates on a Bieber timeline and the mailbag!!!
Coming this afternoon!
Just put this week's new episode of Deep Left Field to bed - you're gonna love it!
My @thestar.com beat partner Gregor Chisholm joins me from Dunedin to talk injuries & what now as #Bluejays camp opens.
You'll hear Ross Atkins try hard to avoid answering Shane Bieber Qs, too.
Also, the mailbag!
My @thestar.com beat partner Gregor Chisholm joins me from Dunedin to talk injuries & what now as #Bluejays camp opens.
You'll hear Ross Atkins try hard to avoid answering Shane Bieber Qs, too.
Also, the mailbag!
February 12, 2026 at 5:49 AM
Just put this week's new episode of Deep Left Field to bed - you're gonna love it!
My @thestar.com beat partner Gregor Chisholm joins me from Dunedin to talk injuries & what now as #Bluejays camp opens.
You'll hear Ross Atkins try hard to avoid answering Shane Bieber Qs, too.
Also, the mailbag!
My @thestar.com beat partner Gregor Chisholm joins me from Dunedin to talk injuries & what now as #Bluejays camp opens.
You'll hear Ross Atkins try hard to avoid answering Shane Bieber Qs, too.
Also, the mailbag!
#Bluejays pitchers and catchers reported to spring training today - a new Deep Left Field will drop tomorrow and you can be a part of it with an email to deepleftfield@thestar.ca.
Join the show!!!
Join the show!!!
February 12, 2026 at 1:08 AM
#Bluejays pitchers and catchers reported to spring training today - a new Deep Left Field will drop tomorrow and you can be a part of it with an email to deepleftfield@thestar.ca.
Join the show!!!
Join the show!!!
Reposted by Mike Wilner
Friendly reminder to send your #Bluejays thoughts, comments & questions to deepleftfield@thestar.ca so that you can be on tomorrow’s new episode as spring training opens!
February 11, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Friendly reminder to send your #Bluejays thoughts, comments & questions to deepleftfield@thestar.ca so that you can be on tomorrow’s new episode as spring training opens!
Friendly reminder to send your #Bluejays thoughts, comments & questions to deepleftfield@thestar.ca so that you can be on tomorrow’s new episode as spring training opens!
February 11, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Friendly reminder to send your #Bluejays thoughts, comments & questions to deepleftfield@thestar.ca so that you can be on tomorrow’s new episode as spring training opens!
Here’s my story on the unfortunate #Bluejays injury news that came out today:
Mike Wilner: Anthony Santander will start 2026 where he spent much of 2025 with the Blue Jays — on the injured list
Santander could miss up to six months after shoulder surgery, Francis will miss all of 2026 with an elbow injury, and Bieber will miss the start of the season as
www.thestar.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:41 AM
Here’s my story on the unfortunate #Bluejays injury news that came out today:
Quite obviously the next episode of Deep Left Field, which was going to be about #Bluejays spring training opening, will be centred on the Santander/Bieber news.
Have your voice heard by filling up the mailbag at deepleftfield@thestar.ca!
Have your voice heard by filling up the mailbag at deepleftfield@thestar.ca!
February 11, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Quite obviously the next episode of Deep Left Field, which was going to be about #Bluejays spring training opening, will be centred on the Santander/Bieber news.
Have your voice heard by filling up the mailbag at deepleftfield@thestar.ca!
Have your voice heard by filling up the mailbag at deepleftfield@thestar.ca!
John Schneider also tells us Kazuma Okamoto will be #Bluejays primary 3B, Andres Gimenez will play SS and Ernie Clement 2B.
Also seemed to be greasing the skids for a closer by committee. Says he's confident in Jeff Hoffman "if he's closing most games" but feels he has a lot of guys who can close.
Also seemed to be greasing the skids for a closer by committee. Says he's confident in Jeff Hoffman "if he's closing most games" but feels he has a lot of guys who can close.
February 10, 2026 at 10:21 PM
John Schneider also tells us Kazuma Okamoto will be #Bluejays primary 3B, Andres Gimenez will play SS and Ernie Clement 2B.
Also seemed to be greasing the skids for a closer by committee. Says he's confident in Jeff Hoffman "if he's closing most games" but feels he has a lot of guys who can close.
Also seemed to be greasing the skids for a closer by committee. Says he's confident in Jeff Hoffman "if he's closing most games" but feels he has a lot of guys who can close.
#Bluejays injury updates as spring training is set to begin:
-Shane Bieber will have a slow ramp-up and won't be ready to start the season;
-Anthony Santander need shoulder surgery after a January setback, he'll miss 5 or 6 months;
-Bowden Francis is having surgery on his UCL tomorrow, out for yr
-Shane Bieber will have a slow ramp-up and won't be ready to start the season;
-Anthony Santander need shoulder surgery after a January setback, he'll miss 5 or 6 months;
-Bowden Francis is having surgery on his UCL tomorrow, out for yr
February 10, 2026 at 10:10 PM
#Bluejays injury updates as spring training is set to begin:
-Shane Bieber will have a slow ramp-up and won't be ready to start the season;
-Anthony Santander need shoulder surgery after a January setback, he'll miss 5 or 6 months;
-Bowden Francis is having surgery on his UCL tomorrow, out for yr
-Shane Bieber will have a slow ramp-up and won't be ready to start the season;
-Anthony Santander need shoulder surgery after a January setback, he'll miss 5 or 6 months;
-Bowden Francis is having surgery on his UCL tomorrow, out for yr
This is amazing.
Aumont, 37, hasn't pitched pro ball since 2019, having retired and become a farmer. But he pitched for Canada in the 2023 WBC and when approached for this year, was still throwing low-to-mid 90s and is going to suit up again.
Incredible story if he has anything left for #Bluejays
Aumont, 37, hasn't pitched pro ball since 2019, having retired and become a farmer. But he pitched for Canada in the 2023 WBC and when approached for this year, was still throwing low-to-mid 90s and is going to suit up again.
Incredible story if he has anything left for #Bluejays
Toronto Blue Jays signed free agent RHP Phillippe Aumont to a minor league contract.
February 10, 2026 at 8:28 PM
This is amazing.
Aumont, 37, hasn't pitched pro ball since 2019, having retired and become a farmer. But he pitched for Canada in the 2023 WBC and when approached for this year, was still throwing low-to-mid 90s and is going to suit up again.
Incredible story if he has anything left for #Bluejays
Aumont, 37, hasn't pitched pro ball since 2019, having retired and become a farmer. But he pitched for Canada in the 2023 WBC and when approached for this year, was still throwing low-to-mid 90s and is going to suit up again.
Incredible story if he has anything left for #Bluejays
It hasn’t arrived up here yet, but I’m thrilled to have been asked to contribute this year’s #Bluejays essay!!
Thanks to @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social for having a name close enough to mine in the alphabet to have taken a picture of some of my blurb too!
Thanks to @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social for having a name close enough to mine in the alphabet to have taken a picture of some of my blurb too!
Well well well. Look what just arrived. The @baseballprospectus.com Annual is HERE. And I was able to contribute for the first time 🥲
February 9, 2026 at 7:47 PM
It hasn’t arrived up here yet, but I’m thrilled to have been asked to contribute this year’s #Bluejays essay!!
Thanks to @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social for having a name close enough to mine in the alphabet to have taken a picture of some of my blurb too!
Thanks to @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social for having a name close enough to mine in the alphabet to have taken a picture of some of my blurb too!
Reposted by Mike Wilner
The 2026 baseball season has officially begun.
February 9, 2026 at 3:24 AM
The 2026 baseball season has officially begun.