The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen needs help, and there is a pitcher that they’re familiar with that may be available.
On Sunday, former Blue Jay reliever Jay Jackson was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins.
After a great season with the Blue Jays in 2023 (which we’ll get too), Jackson signed a one-year deal with the Twins worth $1.5 million, along with a team option for the following season. Well, this season the 36-year-old righty has a 6.85 ERA and a 4.50 FIP in 22.1 innings pitched, along with a 24 K% and an 8.3 BB%. 
However, the Blue Jays are familiar with Jackson, as he spent the 2023 season with the team in five different stints. In total, he posted a 2.12 ERA and a 4.20 FIP in 29.2 innings pitched, along with a 23.3 K% and a 7.8 BB%.
At one point during the season, Jackson threw 13 games, or 16.2 innings, where he didn’t allow an earned run, giving up just eight hits against 61 batters. In that time, he also struck out 18 batters (29.5 K%) compared to walking four batters (6.6%). It’s not a hot take to say that Jackson was useful in the 2023 Blue Jays bullpen that was certainly a strength of the team.
Unfortunately for the 2024 Blue Jays, relief pitching hasn’t been their strong suit. In 151.1 innings pitched, Toronto’s relievers currently have a 5 ERA, the third worst in the league. Their 4.91 FIP is the worst in the league, while their -0.9 fWAR is second worst in the league. Home runs have plagued the Blue Jays, as their 1.55 HR/9 is the worst in the league by a significant margin, beating out Tampa’s 1.32 HR/9.
On top of all that, the bullpen just isn’t striking out any batters either. Collectively, the team has a 20.4 K%, which is fourth worst in the league.
So yeah, the team needs some bullpen help, and fast if they wish to compete for a playoff spot this season. What’s better than claiming an infinitely likable pitcher whom the organization is familiar with, as are the team’s two catchers?
Go and claim Jay Jackson, bring him home!
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.