The Toronto Blue Jays have made a strategic move by re-signing left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract. This decision is particularly intriguing given the team's existing roster and the player's unique skill set. But here's where it gets interesting: Mantiply's journey to the MLB has been anything but ordinary, and his re-signing raises some questions about the team's strategy.
Mantiply, a 35-year-old southpaw, had a surprising 2022 season, posting a 2.85 ERA across 60 innings, earning him an All-Star nod. However, his velocity, averaging just 88.4 mph on his sinker, is below average. Despite this, Mantiply has strong command and a knack for getting grounders. His changeup also adds to his repertoire, making him a solid middle reliever.
The Blue Jays, known for their strong roster, are light on established left-handed relief. Eric Lauer is set for a multi-inning role, Mason Fluharty is a soft-tossing cutter specialist, and Brendon Little has raw talent but isn't reliable around the strike zone. Ricky Tiedemann, a rookie, could factor into the rotation or relief mix, but his injury history is a concern.
Mantiply's re-signing is a bit of a surprise, given his performance last year. He allowed 17 runs in 9 2/3 MLB frames, which isn't exactly impressive. However, the Jays' decision to bring him back on an NRI (non-roster invite) suggests they see potential in him. It remains to be seen if Mantiply can replicate his 2022 success or if he'll be a solid depth option for the team.
This move certainly sparks discussion. Is Mantiply's re-signing a smart move for the Blue Jays? Or is it a risky decision that could backfire? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. And this is the part most people miss: The Jays' decision to re-sign Mantiply could be a strategic move to add depth to their bullpen, even if it means taking a chance on a player with below-average velocity.
