The Toronto Blue Jays are making moves to bolster their bullpen, but is this the right call?
Breaking News: The Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league deal, a surprising move considering his recent performance. But here's the twist: despite his age and velocity concerns, Mantiply has a track record of success.
After being released by the Diamondbacks, Mantiply found a home with the Blue Jays last season, signing a minor league contract. He spent time in the team's system, eventually reaching Triple-A Buffalo. While his run prevention wasn't outstanding, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was impressive, with 19 strikeouts and no walks against 64 Triple-A batters. Yet, this didn't earn him a major league opportunity.
And this is where it gets interesting: Mantiply was an All-Star in 2022, boasting a 2.85 ERA over 60 innings. His strength lies in his command and ability to induce ground balls, despite a below-average fastball velocity. Last season, his sinker averaged 88.4 mph, and he showed excellent movement on his pitches. But in 2025, he struggled in the big leagues, giving up 17 runs in less than 10 innings.
The Blue Jays, known for their strong roster, have a need for left-handed relief. Eric Lauer is set for a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little bring unique skill sets. Fluharty, a soft-tossing cutter specialist, and Little, with his powerful raw talent, can both strike out batters but struggle with control. Ricky Tiedemann, a former top prospect, is also in the mix, but injury concerns persist.
So, will Mantiply's experience and command be enough to secure a spot on the roster? Is this a wise move by the Blue Jays, or should they have aimed higher? The team's strategy is sure to spark debate among fans and analysts alike. What's your take on this signing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
