Blue Jays Re-Sign Joe Mantiply to Minor League Contract with MLB Camp Invite
DUNEDIN, FL – The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, the team announced Tuesday, . The move brings back a pitcher who flashed potential in the organization late last season, offering depth to a bullpen that could use another reliable left arm.
Mantiply, 35, finished the 2025 season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons after being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June. He allowed eight runs (six earned) across 15 2/3 innings with Buffalo, numbers that on the surface don’t jump off the page. However, a deeper gaze reveals a performance that caught the eye of the Blue Jays’ front office: a remarkable 19 strikeouts against zero walks in 64 at-bats.
That strikeout-to-walk ratio – a perfect 19:0 – didn’t immediately translate into a return to the majors, but it was enough to warrant a second look. Mantiply elected minor league free agency over the offseason, and the Blue Jays were quick to re-engage, recognizing the potential value of a pitcher who, just two seasons ago, was an All-Star.
The 2022 All-Star selection came during a career year for Mantiply, where he posted a 2.85 ERA over a career-high 60 innings with the Diamondbacks. Whereas his 2024 season was marred by struggles – allowing 17 runs in 9 2/3 MLB innings – the Blue Jays are betting on his ability to rediscover that earlier form. Mantiply’s game isn’t built on overpowering velocity; his sinker averaged 88.4 mph last season. Instead, he relies on command, movement, and inducing ground balls, a skillset that can be particularly valuable in high-leverage situations.
The Blue Jays’ decision to bring back Mantiply addresses a specific need in their bullpen construction. While the team boasts a strong roster left-handed relief pitching remains a relative area of concern. Eric Lauer is expected to handle multi-inning assignments, and Mason Fluharty offers a specialized cutter approach. Brendon Little possesses raw power but has struggled with consistency and control. The potential arrival of Ricky Tiedemann, a former top prospect, is also a factor, but his progress has been hampered by recurring elbow discomfort.
Tiedemann’s health remains a significant question mark. The oft-injured pitcher is again battling elbow issues early in spring training, casting doubt on his immediate availability. This uncertainty further underscores the importance of adding depth and competition to the bullpen mix, and Mantiply provides both.
The Blue Jays have historically shown a knack for identifying and developing relievers with unique skillsets. Their recent success stories include pitchers like Adam Cimber and Yimi García, who have thrived in Toronto after being acquired from other organizations. Mantiply could represent the next example of this trend, a low-risk signing with the potential for a high reward.
The team’s approach with Mantiply will likely involve a careful ramp-up period during spring training, focusing on refining his mechanics and building confidence. If he can regain the command and movement that defined his 2022 All-Star season, he could become a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, providing a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. His ability to generate ground balls would be particularly welcome, complementing the team’s defensive strengths.
The competition for bullpen spots will be fierce throughout spring training. Several pitchers will be vying for limited roles, and Mantiply will need to prove he deserves a place on the roster. However, his experience, combined with his demonstrated ability to perform at the major league level, gives him a legitimate chance to make the team. The Blue Jays are hoping that a change of scenery and a focused development plan can unlock the potential that made him an All-Star just a few years ago.
The signing of Mantiply is a testament to the Blue Jays’ commitment to building a deep and versatile roster. By adding experienced players on minor league deals, the team creates competition and ensures they have options in case of injuries or underperformance. This approach has been a hallmark of their success in recent seasons, and it’s a strategy they appear to be continuing in 2026.