Despite the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen struggles last season, the team’s front office appears confident in the performance of some of its pitchers. This was evident earlier this offseason when they re-signed Yimi García, and again on Thursday when they brought Ryan Yarbrough back on a minor league contract. Yarbrough’s deal also includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to Fansided’s Robert Murray.

Yarbrough had been a consistent challenge for the Blue Jays during his time with their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays, often delivering his best performances against Toronto. With nine career wins against the Jays, he holds his highest total against any team.

However, his connection with Toronto shifted last year when the Blue Jays acquired him at the trade deadline in exchange for the beloved outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Yarbrough quickly became Toronto’s top reliever down the stretch, posting a 1-0 record with an impressive 2.01 ERA and 0.80 WHIP over 31 1/3 innings. He allowed just seven earned runs and seven walks, along with 26 strikeouts. In doing so, he transformed from a nemesis to a fan favorite in no time.

Yarbrough has a career 4.32 ERA over 768 innings with the Rays, Royals, Dodgers, and Blue Jays. He has three saves to his name and has even thrown a complete game. His best season came in 2019 when he posted an 11-6 record with a 4.13 ERA across 28 games with the Rays.

Given the lack of reliable arms in Toronto’s bullpen heading into 2025, it was surprising that the Blue Jays allowed him to enter free agency, especially considering his versatile pitching style, which could make him a valuable swingman.

Fortunately for Toronto, Yarbrough went unsigned during the offseason, allowing the team to bring back the 33-year-old left-hander. While it’s just a minor league deal, don’t be shocked if Yarbrough makes the roster out of spring training and becomes a key contributor to the Jays’ pitching staff in 2025.