Here’s a move that might raise a few eyebrows: the Toronto Blue Jays have brought back left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply on a minor league deal, giving him a non-roster invitation to their MLB spring training camp. But here’s where it gets interesting—Mantiply, a 35-year-old southpaw with a knack for ground balls and pinpoint control, isn’t exactly your typical comeback story. After a surprising All-Star appearance in 2022, where he posted a stellar 2.85 ERA over 60 innings, his journey took a detour. Released by the Diamondbacks in June 2025, he landed with the Blue Jays shortly after the All-Star Break, spending time in Triple-A Buffalo. While his run prevention numbers weren’t eye-popping (eight runs allowed in 15 2/3 innings), his 19:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio against 64 batters caught the Jays’ attention—enough to earn him another shot this season.
And this is the part most people miss: Mantiply’s below-average velocity (averaging just 88.4 mph on his sinker last year) is often overlooked because of his ability to generate movement on both his sinker and changeup. He’s not a flamethrower, but his command and pitch craft have made him a reliable middle reliever as recently as 2024. Sure, he struggled in limited MLB action last year, giving up 17 runs in 9 2/3 innings, but the Jays clearly see potential in his ability to stabilize their left-handed relief options.
Speaking of which, Toronto’s bullpen could use some lefty reinforcement. Eric Lauer is penciled in for a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little bring unique skills to the table—Fluharty with his soft-tossing cutter and Little with his high-octane stuff. However, neither has proven to be consistently accurate. Meanwhile, top prospect Ricky Tiedemann, who could factor into the rotation or bullpen, is once again sidelined with elbow issues. This makes Mantiply’s return all the more intriguing—could he be the steady hand the Jays need?
But here’s the controversial question: Is Mantiply’s age and declining velocity a red flag, or is his command and experience enough to make him a valuable asset? Let’s be honest—at 35, he’s not the same pitcher who wowed in 2022. Yet, in a bullpen light on proven lefties, his ability to eat innings and keep walks to a minimum could be invaluable. What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Jays, or are they settling for a stopgap solution? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
