Blue Jays Bring Back All-Star Reliever Joe Mantiply on Minor League Deal
The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract. This agreement includes a non-roster invitation to MLB Spring Training camp. Mantiply is represented by ISE Baseball.
The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract, which includes a non-roster invitation to MLB Spring Training camp.
Mantiply's Path Back to Toronto
Mantiply concluded the previous season within the Toronto organization. He initially signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays after the All-Star Break, following his release by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June. He spent a period at the team's Florida complex before joining Triple-A Buffalo.
During his time with the Bisons, he recorded eight runs (six earned) across 15 2/3 innings. At Triple-A, Mantiply achieved an impressive 19:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio against 64 batters. Despite this performance, he did not receive a call-up to the major leagues. The Blue Jays subsequently opted to bring him back on a non-roster invite after he elected minor league free agency during the offseason.
Player Profile and Recent Performance
Mantiply was an All-Star in 2022, pitching to a 2.85 ERA over a career-high 60 innings. The 35-year-old southpaw exhibits strong command and a tendency to induce ground balls. While his fastball velocity is below average (his sinker averaged 88.4 mph in 2023), he generates effective movement on both his sinker and changeup.
In 2022, Joe Mantiply earned an All-Star selection, recording a 2.85 ERA across a career-high 60 innings.
In 2023, however, Mantiply allowed 17 runs across 9 2/3 MLB innings.
Blue Jays' Left-Handed Relief Landscape
The Blue Jays' major league roster is considered competitive, but it currently has limited established left-handed relief options.
Eric Lauer is anticipated for a multi-inning role. Other left-handed pitchers like Mason Fluharty, who specializes in cutters, and Brendon Little, who possesses significant raw pitching ability, are also in the mix. Both Fluharty and Little can generate swings and misses but have demonstrated inconsistent command.
Ricky Tiedemann, a former top prospect, could potentially factor into either the rotation or relief, but he is currently experiencing elbow discomfort early in camp.