Report: Legendary Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez retires

The 2026 season will sound very different for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Franchise icon Buck Martinez announced his retirement from calling games on Friday after a four-decade career.

Here’s what you need to know.

Don’t forget to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of MLB futures ahead of the 2026 season.

Buck Martinez

Martinez was traded to the Blue Jays in 1981. The 77-year-old California native spent six seasons with the club as a catcher before retiring in 1986 after a 17-year playing career.

A year later, Martinez joined the club’s broadcast team as a colour commentator for the first of two stints. He also served as the Blue Jays manager from 2001-2002.

Martinez worked as a play-by-play announcer and a colour commentator throughout his time in the booth. His last call now stands as Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

“After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and look forward to the future,” Martinez said in a press release. “After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead.”

Martinez called over 4,000 Blue Jays games and said “only one other outcome could have topped” his final season. The Blue Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series 5-4 in 11 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The game was the most watched English language broadcast on record in Canada outside of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

“I look forward to continuing to root for the Blue Jays along with you, and you’ll always be in my heart,” Martinez said. “I had hoped to be part of the 50th year of the Toronto Blue Jays, but it’s time to pass the torch.”

Toronto Blue Jays

Opening day for the Blue Jays’ 50th season is slated for March 27 against the Athletics.

Toronto’s management doubled down on their run to the World Series in the off-season, adding Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Kazuma Okamoto in free agency, while allowing fan favourite Bo Bichette to walk.

The Jays enter the year at +1300 to win the World Series, tied with the Mariners for the third-shortest odds behind the Yankees (+900) and Dodgers (+225).

Toronto also boasts the second-shortest odds to repeat as AL East (+260) and American League (+550) champions.