Toronto Blue Jays scoop aging All-Star that former team's fans seem happy to be rid of

The Toronto Blue Jays are continuing to add to their pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season.

Pitching has been a major focus of Blue Jays management this offseason, both in terms of starters and relievers. They've added several new faces, including Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, while also re-signing Max Scherzer last week. That wasn't all, either, as they announced yet another signing late Tuesday evening.

The Blue Jays announced via X that they have signed relief pitcher Joe Mantiply to a Minor-League deal. The contract will also include an invite to spring training.

OFFICIAL: We’ve signed LHP Joe Mantiply to a Minor League deal with an invite to #SpringTraining. pic.twitter.com/bKWOnA6Hej

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 4, 2026

If Mantiply sounds like a familiar name, it's for good reason. One is that, after being designated for assignment partway through the 2025 season, he signed a minor-league deal with the Jays. The other would be that the 35-year-old was named an All-Star as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2022 season. 

That 2022 season saw Mantiply pitch 60 innings out of the bullpen, posting a stellar 2.85 ERA with 61 strikeouts. He was also able to record two saves.

Things have since been rocky for Mantiply, however. Inconsistent play the following season led to him spending some time in the Minor Leagues. He was able to remain in the Majors in 2024, but had mixed results with a 3.92 ERA through 59.2 innings.

Mantiply's struggles hit a new low this past season, as he had a disastrous 15.83 ERA with the Diamondbacks before being designated for assignment in late May. He was released on June 1 and has not pitched in the Majors since. 

While Mantiply did impress throughout part of his time with the Diamondbacks, the ending was so ugly that a vocal share of the Arizona fan base was thrilled to see him go.

mantiply DFAd pic.twitter.com/ZHJON6xchI

— Zayoro_ (@Oroyaz) May 30, 2025

"We are finally free of Joe Mantiply," another user chimed in on X.

Despite his struggles as of late, there is clearly some optimism from Blue Jays management that Mantiply may still have some gas left in the tank. His performance throughout spring training will help determine that, but, at the very least, he should serve as a solid depth option for the organization.