Blue Jays formally release pitcher for overseas leap after brutal 2025 audition

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Tuesday evening that they have placed left-handed pitcher Easton Lucas on unconditional release waivers. According to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Lucas is expected to sign overseas once he clears waivers.

Lucas' short tenure with the Blue Jays comes to an end

Spending most of his time in the minor leagues, Lucas was called up by the Blue Jays after Max Scherzer was placed on the injured list following his first start. In his first two starts, Lucas made a strong impression, picking up the wins in both instances and not allowing an earned run with 11 strikeouts. One of those starts included outperforming Boston Red Sox juggernaut Garrett Crochet on April 8.

Unfortunately, it was all the success he saw. In his next two starts to yield the complete opposite result, with a combined 14 earned runs in 6.2 innings. Despite bouncing back in his fifth start on May 31, he'd show a similar regression on July 29 against the Orioles, allowing four earned runs in 2.2 innings. It would end up being his final start and appearance as a Blue Jay before Tuesday's release.

The 29-year-old would go on to finish the season with a 3-3 record and a 6.66 ERA. He racked up 23 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched and a fWAR of -0.3. This was also Lucas' third stint with an MLB team, having played for the Oakland Athletic in 2023 and then the Detroit Tigers in 2024.

Lucas' final career totals with the Athletics, Tigers, and Blue Jays sit at a 4-3 record with an 8.02 ERA in 40.2 innings pitched. He's found more success in the minors, posting a 13-9 record in six seasons with a 3.71 ERA. Following Lucas' release, the Blue Jays' 40-man roster drops to 37 as free agency rolls along for Toronto.