5 former Blue Jays we would love to see return in free agency

RHP Yimi García

When the Jays endured their mighty struggles with their bullpen in 2024, one of the key relievers that maintained their consistency and reliability through it all was Yimi García. With practically almost every other regular putting up unfathomable numbers, García kept his composure and actually put down the strongest performance of his three-year tenure with the Jays. In 29 relief appearances, he amassed a strong 3-0 record with a 2.70 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, while giving up just nine runs and eight walks all season along with 42 strikeouts in just 30 innings pitched.

Knowing that García will be a free agent following the conclusion of the 2024 season so that they could have the chance to get him back later, the Jays turned him into a valuable asset at the trade deadline. He was used to acquire top outfield prospect Jonatan Clase along with catcher Jacob Sharp from the Seattle Mariners. Clase ended up having a strong finish in the organization following the trade, including making his Jays’ debut prior to the conclusion of the 2024 season. On the other hand, García struggled in his tenure with the Mariners. It was later learned that he was hampered by elbow inflammation that eventually ended his season, with his last appearance being on August 19.

Assuming that the injury to García isn’t too serious and that he will be fully recovered by the time training camp opens, he will be the prime candidate to help the Jays resurrect their battered bullpen and bring it back to relevance once again. After all, García had compiled some of the best numbers of his career in a Jays’ uniform, posting a 10-9 record with a 3.44 ERA, 119 ERA+, 1.08 WHIP, together with just 39 walks and a whopping 179 strikeouts in just 157 innings of work over 163 appearances. More importantly, he was perhaps one of the team’s best setup man with 52 holds, along with performing admirably as a makeshift closer whenever he was called upon as well.

With the Jays likely to have a huge overhaul of their relief corps for 2025, it would serve the team better if they have a trusted, respected veteran who had been through it all with the team to help anchor the group,. As a result, García would be that perfect choice to take on such a role for the team.