Blue Jays sign southpaw Braden Scott to minor league deal

With the owners and the MLBPA still not agreeing to a CBA as the schedule gets closer to the Opening Day, the Blue Jays made one move last week, adding left-hander Braden Scott on a minor league deal. Even though the owners and the players are currently in a lockout, teams are allowed to sign eligible players to minor league deals as they are not tied to the 40-man roster.

After graduating from high school, Scott pitched for Olney Central College for two years and 23 starts, amassing a 1.57 ERA through 154.2 innings of work. He then spent three seasons at Indiana University, earning a 3.25 ERA through 39 relief appearances for the Hoosiers. Through 55.1 innings, Scott compiled a 13.2 K/9 with 81 strikeouts while producing a 3.4 BB/9 while also racking up one save. He was not drafted by a Major League club during this time.

Hailing from Jasonville, Indiana, the southpaw split last season between two different clubs, appearing in three games for the Terra Haute Rex in the Prospect League before joining the Evansville Otters in the Frontier League for most of the season.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed left-hander Braden Scott to a minor league deal late last week after spending last season in Independent ball.

With the Otters, Scott transitioned back to the rotation and made 14 starts, pitching to a 2.72 ERA through 89.1 innings of work. He struck out 104 batters and kept the walks in check with his 2.4 BB/9 and led the Otters starters in terms of ERA while finishing second in strikeouts.

The addition of Braden Scott adds some depth to the Blue Jays pitching ranks, which may be needed as top prospect CJ Van Eyk is expected to miss all of this upcoming season recovering from Tommy John surgery and numerous other pitchers like Joey Murray and Eric Pardinho could be picked up via the Rule 5 Draft if/when it takes place after a new CBA is put in place.

Welcome to the ranks, Mr. Scott!