The Blue Jays have made a move to bolster their bullpen, re-signing left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract. This development is an intriguing one, especially considering Mantiply's recent history with the team.
Last season, Mantiply, an ISE Baseball client, found himself in the Toronto organization after being released by the Diamondbacks. He quickly signed a minor league deal with the Jays, and his performance in the latter half of the season caught the eye of the team's coaching staff.
Despite a less-than-stellar run prevention record, Mantiply's strikeout-to-walk ratio of 19:0 against Triple-A opponents was impressive. It's this kind of performance that earned him an invite to MLB camp as a non-roster player.
Mantiply's journey is an interesting one. He was an All-Star surprise in 2022, posting a 2.85 ERA across 60 innings, a career high. At 35 years old, he relies on strong command and his ability to induce grounders, as his velocity is below average.
But here's where it gets controversial: Mantiply's sinker, which averaged 88.4 mph last year, provides good movement, and his changeup is also effective. So, why didn't he get a big league look?
And this is the part most people miss: Mantiply's success extends beyond his impressive strikeout numbers. He was a solid middle reliever as recently as 2024, and his ability to get batters out with his sinker and changeup is a valuable skill.
The Jays, with one of the better rosters in MLB, are light on established left-handed relief. Eric Lauer is set for a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little, despite their raw talent, struggle with command. Ricky Tiedemann, a former top prospect, is battling elbow discomfort, which could impact his availability.
So, the question remains: Will Mantiply's unique skill set and experience earn him a spot on the big league roster? It's a fascinating debate, and one that highlights the importance of finding the right balance of talent and experience in a bullpen.
What do you think? Should the Jays give Mantiply a chance, or is there a better option out there? Let's discuss in the comments!
