The Toronto Blue Jays spent the offseason aggressively upgrading their roster, but one area that still appears unsettled is the left-handed side of the bullpen.
Apr 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Joe Mantiply (35) throws in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
In an effort to add depth and potential upside, the club has continued a comeback opportunity for a former All-Star. Toronto announced it has signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Mantiply Returns to Toronto System
This technically marks a return for Mantiply, who previously joined the Blue Jays organization late in the 2025 season.
After being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June, the veteran reliever signed a minor league deal with Toronto shortly after the All-Star break. He finished the year with Triple-A Buffalo, where he showed encouraging signs.
In 14 appearances, Mantiply posted:
- 3.45 ERA
- 15.2 innings pitched
- 19 strikeouts
- 0 walks
His strong command stood out, as he did not issue a single walk during that stretch.
A Former All-Star Looking to Rebound
Mantiply, now 35 years old, has spent eight seasons in the major leagues, with most of that time coming in Arizona.
Across 250 games with the Diamondbacks, he recorded:
- 4.32 ERA
- 190 strikeouts
- 210 innings pitched
His best year came in 2022, when he earned All-Star honors after delivering one of the strongest seasons of his career. That year he threw 60 innings, struck out 61 batters, and finished with a 2.85 ERA.
Strengths and Concerns
Mantiply’s biggest strength throughout his career has been elite control. Since 2022, he has consistently maintained a walk rate below 3.0 per nine innings, demonstrating a strong ability to attack the strike zone.
However, his aggressive approach has also made him vulnerable to contact.
Last season at the MLB level, Mantiply allowed 26 hits in just 9.2 innings, and opponents have produced a .743 OPS against him over his career. His 9.6 hits-per-nine innings rate reflects the challenge he faces when hitters square up his pitches.
A Crowded Bullpen Battle
Mantiply joins an increasingly competitive group of left-handed relievers competing for roles in Toronto’s bullpen.
Current candidates include:
- Brendon Little
- Mason Fluharty
- Eric Lauer
- Josh Fleming
- Michael Plassmeyer
While Little and Fluharty appear to be early favorites for bullpen spots, the organization is clearly prioritizing depth and flexibility.
Long Shot for Opening Day
Because Mantiply joined camp late and is on a minor league deal, he is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster unless injuries create unexpected opportunities.
More realistically, he could begin the year in Triple-A Buffalo, where a strong early-season performance could quickly push him back into the major league conversation.
For the Blue Jays, it’s a low-risk move that adds experienced depth — and perhaps gives a former All-Star another chance to extend his career.
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