The left-hander was designated for assignment before the end of the season.
As noted by MLBTradeRumors, Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Joe Mantiply has elected free agency.
He had been designated for assignment recently but had the right to reject an outright assignment to the minor leagues. Instead, he'll look for a new opportunity.
Here's more of what you need to know:
About Mantiply
Now 35 years old, Mantiply is a nine-year veteran of the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Blue Jays. He spent six years with the Diamondbacks, making the All-Star team in 2022 and helping lead the team to the World Series in 2023. He's gone 13-13 for his career with a 4.37 ERA, appearing in 281 games.
He pitched in 25 games for the Blue Jays this season, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA. He missed time in the middle of the season because of a knee injury
While his overall numbers were solid, he gave up runs in each of his final three appearances of the campaign. The Blue Jays finished 79-83, missing the playoffs just one year after getting to the World Series.
About what's next for him
Well Mantiply is a free agent and he'll be free to sign a major league five days after the World Series ends.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Joe Mantiply (35) delivers a pitch against the Athletics in the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesImportant thing to understand
1) The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the MLBPA and the owners expires on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. At that point, it's expected that there will be a lockout and no business will be able to happen. If Mantiply wants clarity on his future before the lockout, he can look to sign an early deal with a team and have everything settled before the lockout happens.
If he doesn't, then he'll be subject to a period of uncertainty, and whenever the lockout is lifted, he'll be one of many players with a condensed timeline to find a new home before a new spring training, whenever that is.
2) Minor League Baseball will be played in 2027 no matter what, and all players not on 40-man rosters will be eligible to play. If Mantiply wants to assure himself a paycheck and an opportunity as he moves into his age 36 season, he could look at signing an MiLB deal and simply being part of an organization until the lockout breaks. At least that would also give him an opportunity to keep himself fresh for the eventual start of the MLB season, if people fear there will be games missed on that side.
