The Toronto Blue Jays are shaking up their roster, re-signing a familiar face to bolster their bullpen! In a move that may raise some eyebrows, the team has brought back left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply on a minor league deal.
Anthony Franco reports that the Blue Jays have reunited with Mantiply, a 35-year-old southpaw who spent the latter part of the 2025 season with the organization. After being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June, Mantiply found a home in Toronto, signing a minor league contract and reporting to their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.
While his run prevention wasn't particularly noteworthy, Mantiply showcased impressive control, striking out 19 batters and walking none in 15 2/3 innings against Triple-A opponents. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite this performance, he didn't get a chance in the big leagues. The Blue Jays, however, saw enough potential to re-sign him to a non-roster invite (NRI) after he opted for minor league free agency.
Mantiply's career has had its ups and downs. He was an unexpected All-Star in 2022, boasting a 2.85 ERA over a career-high 60 innings. Known for his strong command and ground ball-inducing ability, Mantiply's below-average velocity might be a concern. His sinker averaged 88.4 mph last season, but he makes up for it with excellent movement on his sinker and changeup. And this is the part most people miss: he was a reliable middle reliever just two seasons ago.
The Blue Jays' bullpen is a mixed bag. While they have a strong overall roster, left-handed relief is an area they aim to improve. Eric Lauer is set for a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little bring unique skill sets. Fluharty specializes in soft-tossing cutters, and Little has impressive raw talent. Both can strike out batters but struggle with control. Ricky Tiedemann, a former top prospect, could be in the mix, but elbow issues continue to plague his career.
Is this a smart move by the Blue Jays, or is Mantiply a risky bet? Will his age and velocity concerns outweigh his control and past success? The comments section awaits your insights!
