May 2, 2026
Left-handed pitcher Kai Peterson is in his second season with Double-A New Hampshire. Peterson, who works exclusively out of the bullpen, enjoys his later inning role.
“I’m kind of just throwing whenever,” said Peterson. “There’s not too big of an emphasis on a role this year. It’s just get in the game whenever possible.”
The lefty loves coming in with the game on the line, “I like coming in whenever but especially the pressure situations,” Peterson added. “If there are runners on base, I really like that.”
Pitching 6 2/3 innings so far in 2026; Peterson has 8 K’s, a WHIP of 1.50, and an ERA of 4.05.
Using a two-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, and a slider; Peterson is happy with the development of his slider this season.
“I think the slider has come a long way since previous years,” explained Peterson. “It’s now a pitch I can trust to throw in any count.”
Peterson is honing in on his repertoire this season, “I’m sticking with the two pitches, just trying to really dial them in,” Peterson added. “They’re working well, they tunnel well, so I’m sticking with them.”
The prospect talks about the hitters at the Double-A level.
“They’re just a little bit smarter,” stated Peterson. “Like they just have a better gameplan. Watching our hitters, it’s unbelievable this year. They have a gameplan, they’re staying on the attack with it, and they’re really punishing other teams with it.”
Peterson is building off of his time in the Arizona Fall League.
“That was an awesome experience,” Peterson said of the AFL. “I learned about routines, what some big leaguers do – since we had a few on the team. I loved learning from the other organizations on what I can add to my routine.”
Spending 7 weeks at home after the AFL season; Peterson worked out with TJ Nichols to prepare for the 2026 season.
“I had seven weeks at home,” stated Peterson. “Me and my buddy from high school TJ Nichols, he’s with the Rays, would go out and play catch almost every day. We both kind of worked through, what we needed to work through during the off-season.”
That preparation helped Peterson have a great spring in Dunedin.
“It was solid, it was definitely one of the better spring trainings I’ve had,” said Peterson. “It might be due to the shorter off-season but I was really happy with it.”
Although, it’s only May, Peterson took part in a memorable moment on April 28th, as he was the final pitcher in the Fisher Cats’ combined no-hitter.
“It was really cool,” explained Peterson. “Big credit to Patrick Winkel for catching all game, calling pitches, and navigating runners on base. Obviously, all of the other pitchers were really good. I was just out there hoping to not mess things up.”
With the next stop being Triple-A Buffalo, Peterson talks about what he needs to do to earn that promotion.
“I think it’s just staying on the attack with hitters,” stated Peterson. “I need to get in the zone a little bit more to make that jump.”
Be sure to follow Kai Peterson, as he continues to be a reliable bullpen arm in the Toronto Blue Jays’ system.