The Toronto Blue Jays added a familiar face to their spring roster, bringing back left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply on a minor-league deal. He gets a non-roster invite to major-league spring training.
Mantiply’s journey last season bounced from the Jays’ organization to Buffalo and then back again. It’s a reminder that proven command can sometimes matter more than pure velocity when teams build a bullpen.
As Toronto shapes its bullpen for 2025, Mantiply’s return highlights the club’s focus on left-handed flexibility and depth.
Mantiply returns to Toronto on a low-risk deal with big-picture potential
The Jays are betting on a pitcher whose main strength has always been control and the knack for getting ground balls. Mantiply, now 35, finished last season in Toronto’s system after Arizona let him go in June.
He signed with the Jays after the All-Star break and spent time at the Florida complex before heading to Triple-A Buffalo. There, he allowed eight runs (six earned) in 15 2/3 innings.
That stat line doesn’t look great, but there were bright spots. Mantiply’s command stood out—he struck out 19 and didn’t walk anyone in 64 Triple-A batters faced.
He didn’t get called up to the majors, but the Jays liked what they saw enough to bring him back after he hit minor-league free agency. It’s a classic depth move: a lefty with control who could help at the upper levels if things line up.
A look back at Mantiply’s peak and his current profile
Mantiply’s best stretch was in 2022, when he made the All-Star team with a 2.85 ERA over 60 innings. He’s always been known for his command and ability to get ground balls, settling in as a steady middle reliever when healthy.
His velocity isn’t anything special—last year his sinker averaged just 88.4 mph. But the movement on his sinker and a solid changeup have let him work through tough lineups.
Last season in the majors, things got rough. He gave up 17 runs in just 9 2/3 big-league innings.
Even solid lefties can run into trouble against MLB hitters in short bursts. The Jays still value left-handed depth, especially since their bullpen hasn’t had a set lefty setup guy. Mantiply’s versatility could make him a fit for long relief or as a bridge in the middle innings if they need it.
Assessing Mantiply’s fit within Toronto’s bullpen plan
Mantiply’s return comes as Toronto tries to balance its left-handed options for spring and beyond. Eric Lauer is in the mix for a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little bring different skills but have had some ups and downs.
Rookie Ricky Tiedemann is a question mark with early elbow issues, so depth from the left side is even more important.
For Mantiply, making the big-league roster probably depends on his command and ability to keep throwing strikes. His sinker and changeup can create weak contact and grounders—exactly what you want from a lefty who doesn’t overpower hitters.
He’s a trustworthy arm who could fill several roles as Toronto sorts out a crowded bullpen this spring.
Where Mantiply fits among other left-handed options in spring
The Jays’ collection of left-handed arms is definitely a talking point as camp opens. Mantiply joins a group of both established and up-and-coming southpaws, with the team weighing reliable innings against the lure of upside.
His command and pitch movement could give Toronto a flexible weapon, especially against lefty-heavy lineups. He might end up working the middle innings or bridging to the late-game guys, depending on what the team needs on a given night.
Key takeaways for fans and fantasy enthusiasts
As spring training gets going, Mantiply brings experience, command, and lefty flexibility. He might not be flashy, but he could quietly become a key piece for the Blue Jays.
For fans, it’s one more hint that Toronto’s building a bullpen that can handle just about anything this season throws at them.
Here is the source article for this story: Blue Jays Re-Sign Joe Mantiply To Minor League Deal
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