Blue Jays make first major move of the offseason, sign old friend to two-year deal

So far in the 2024-25 MLB offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have pursued virtually every single one of the market's top free agents. To this point, they've come away completely empty-handed. Juan Soto headed to the Mets, Jordan Romano to the Phillies, Danny Jansen to the Rays, amongst other swings and misses made by Toronto.

On Tuesday afternoon, things finally began to turn their way, as the Blue Jays are said to be bringing back an old friend. Right-hander Yimi Garcia is rejoining the Blue Jays on a two-year, $15M contract according to Ari Alexander of Houston's KPRC 2.

Followers of the Blue Jays are all-too-familiar with this name, as Garcia spent the vast majority of the past three years in their club's bullpen. Up until the 2024 trade deadline, Garcia had functioned as a versatile, oft-used piece in various roles around John Schneider's bullpen. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners at the deadline for outfield prospect Jonatan Clase and minor league catcher Jacob Sharp.

Blue Jays re-sign Yimi Garcia

Garcia, 34, has experienced some of the best seasons of his decade-long career as a member of the Blue Jays. He is a high-strikeout arm that is capable of closing out games as needed and was seriously carving up the opposition prior to the trade this past season.

Through 29 games, he had a 2.70 ERA and an even more impressive 2.67 FIP to go along with a 151 ERA+ that had his output at 51 percent better than league-average. His tenure in Seattle only wound up being 10 games long as he dealt with injuries that ultimately ended his season early, but the Jays clearly believe in his ability to get healthy and bounce back enough.

Garcia's addition to the Jays' bullpen should be the first of many moves. He's a great start, though, as he was well-liked and always came through during his previous stint in Toronto. He'll join Chad Green and Erik Swanson at the back-end of the 'pen, but there should certainly be more moves coming as the offseason marches on.