Get ready for a thrilling baseball story! The Blue Jays have made a move that's sure to spark some debate among fans.
In a recent development, left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming has signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, as reported by Alden González of ESPN. This news has caught the attention of many, especially with Fleming's unique journey and performance.
Fleming, a 29-year-old southpaw, spent the last season with the Mariners' Triple-A team. His time there was a bit of a rollercoaster. While he excelled at inducing ground balls at an impressive 57.8% rate, his strikeout percentage was a concerning 11.5%, one of the lowest among Triple-A pitchers. Fleming's arsenal includes a sinker that barely reaches 90 MPH, along with a cutter, changeup, and curveball.
But here's where it gets interesting: Fleming is no stranger to the AL East, having been drafted by the Rays in the fifth round. He pitched for Tampa Bay from 2020 to 2023 and even spent the '24 campaign with the Pirates. His major league career has seen him maintain a 4.77 ERA across 254 2/3 innings, consistently throwing strikes and inducing grounders.
And this is the part most people miss: despite his solid performance, Fleming will likely start the season in Triple-A Buffalo, providing long relief depth. It's a controversial move, leaving many fans and experts wondering about the team's strategy.
So, what do you think? Is this a smart move by the Blue Jays, or are they missing a trick? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
