The Toronto Blue Jays have secured the return of former All-Star relief pitcher Joe Mantiply, signing him to a minor league contract. This agreement includes a coveted invitation to the team's upcoming Major League Baseball spring training camp. Mantiply, a left-handed pitcher, had previously been part of the Blue Jays organization, having been acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks during last year's trade deadline. Although he did not feature in the Blue Jays' postseason run, which saw them clinch the American League pennant and push the Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink in the World Series, the club sees potential in his return. After a period as a free agent, this deal offers Mantiply a renewed chance to compete for a spot on a major league roster with a highly successful team.
Mantiply's journey back to the Blue Jays' radar follows a season where he exclusively played for the Triple-A Buffalo affiliate post-trade. Despite a challenging start to last year with the Diamondbacks, recording a 0-1 record and a 15.83 ERA in 10 major league appearances, his performance improved significantly at the Triple-A level. With Buffalo, he posted a respectable 2-1 record and a 3.45 ERA. Throughout his career, which spans parts of eight major league seasons with various teams including the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks, Mantiply holds an 11-13 record with a 4.54 ERA and three career saves. The opportunity to participate in spring training is a critical step for him to demonstrate his readiness and secure a spot back in the big leagues with a team that made a deep postseason run.
Blue Jays Secure Former All-Star Pitcher
The Toronto Blue Jays have announced the signing of Joe Mantiply, a former All-Star reliever, to a minor league contract. This agreement also includes an invitation for Mantiply to join the team's Major League Baseball spring training camp. Mantiply was initially acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks during the previous year's trade deadline. Despite his All-Star past, Mantiply did not make the roster for Toronto's impactful postseason run, which culminated in an American League pennant and a hard-fought World Series appearance. His return indicates the Blue Jays' continued belief in his capabilities and provides him with another pathway to contribute to a contending team.
Mantiply's professional baseball career includes stints with the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks, where he has accumulated an 11-13 record with a 4.54 ERA across eight major league seasons. He has also recorded three career saves, though none since 2024. Following his trade to Toronto, Mantiply spent the remainder of the last season pitching solely for the Triple-A Buffalo team, where he showed improved form with a 2-1 record and a 3.45 ERA. This recent minor league deal represents a fresh start for the left-hander, offering him a prime opportunity during spring training to showcase his skills and earn a coveted spot in the bullpen of the reigning American League champions.
Mantiply's Path to the Major Leagues
Joe Mantiply, an experienced left-handed reliever, is embarking on a new chapter with the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. This move follows his initial acquisition by the Blue Jays in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. Although he was part of the Blue Jays' organization during their successful 2025 campaign, Mantiply did not feature in the major league bullpen during their American League pennant win and World Series appearance. The decision to bring him back on a minor league deal reflects a strategic interest from the Blue Jays in leveraging his experience and past performance as an All-Star. This offers Mantiply a direct route to impress the coaching staff and vie for a position on the active roster in the upcoming season.
Mantiply's recent performance history provides a mixed but ultimately hopeful outlook for his return to the majors. After struggling in 10 major league games with the Diamondbacks last year, posting a 0-1 record with a 15.83 ERA, he found more success at the Triple-A level with the Blue Jays' affiliate in Buffalo, where he recorded a 2-1 record and a 3.45 ERA. This resurgence at Triple-A suggests he is regaining form, making his inclusion in spring training an important opportunity to prove his readiness for big-league competition. With a career spanning several teams and a track record that includes an All-Star selection, Mantiply brings valuable experience and a veteran presence, which could be beneficial for the Blue Jays as they look to solidify their bullpen for another championship pursuit.