Toronto Blue Jays: Checking in on Fan Favourites

Jason Grilli

Blue Jays Career (2016-2017): 72 games, 4.74 ERA, 3 saves, 81 strikeouts

When Jason Grilli came over to the Blue Jays in 2016, he already had a reputation. He was an eccentric personality, a flamethrower, and an accomplished reliever. What he gave the Blue Jays was electric moments, big strikeouts, and immortal celebrations that put him up there with the most passionate players in team history.

Grilli was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Atlanta Braves in 2016 for prospect Sean Ratcliffe. He would go on to throw 3.2 innings in the playoffs while striking out three and giving up a solo hit. The year after he struggled, pitching to a 6.97 ERA before being designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the Texas Rangers for prospect Eduard Pinto.

Following the 2017 season, Grilli was quoted as saying he wasn’t planning on retirement. Nevertheless, not since 2017 has he thrown a professional inning. At 45 years of age, I think it’s safe to say Grilli has hung up the cleats.

His most recent sighting was actually at Comerica Park, as Grilli took a friend of the family to watch a couple of his former clubs in action. He’s seen here getting some one-on-one time with young king Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and rocking a tasteful All-Star game pullover.