After losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most aggressive teams to begin the 2025 offseason.
They started by making the first blockbuster signing, inking Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract, luring him away from the San Diego Padres.
After that, Toronto followed it up by signing Cody Ponce, a starter who went 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA in the KBO last season.
Then, Toronto looked to bolster their bullpen, signing Tyler Rogers on a three-year $37 million contract.
Although Toronto has yet to sign any notable position players, the front office made another move on Thursday, agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran reliever Jorge Alcala.
Alcala has had a seven year career in the major leagues, spending time with the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox and most recently the St. Louis Cardinals. Alcala played for all three of those teams last season, as an 8.88 ERA in 22 appearances saw him get designated for assignment by Minnesota before bouncing around to finish the season.
For his career, Alcala has a 9-13 record, a 4.29 ERA, 34 holds and one save. While these numbers don't jump off the page, adding an experienced reliever like Alcala on a minor league contract could benefit the ball club if they were to struggle with injuries.
Alcala is also still capable of throwing heat, averaging 97.2 MPH of fastball velocity last season.
If able to perform well in both Spring Training and Triple-A, Alcala could find time on the major league roster.
More MLB news:
- Ha-Seong Kim returns to the Braves on a one-year contract
- San Francisco has 'checked in on' Cody Bellinger amid free agency
- Baltimore Orioles eye Marlins' Edward Cabrera in a trade to shore up their rotation
- Tigers re-sign Kyle Finnegan to a two-year $19 million contract
- Seattle rumored to trade for Cardinals left-hander
- Detroit once again showing strong interest in free agent Alex Bregman