Popular former Blue Jays reliever reveals Toronto turned down offer to return

When it came to some former fan favourites that once played for the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the names that often come to mind in recent years is reliever Jay Jackson. Jackson became a popular and beloved figure in the hearts of Jays’ fans when he gave it his all with the team in 2023 despite having to deal with an ongoing family emergency throughout the season.

Even though the Jays didn’t end up retaining him following that season, Toronto ultimately gained a place in his heart with the opportunity he received and the utmost support he got from the fanbase and organization.

In fact, it appears as though Jackson’s love for the team still exists. He recently revealed that he welcomed the opportunity to come back to the Jays. However, the potential feel-good story of his possible return was shot down when he learned that the Jays had no interest in entertaining such a reunion. Nevertheless, as the genuine pro that he is, he expressed that he totally respected their decision.

Popular former Blue Jays reliever reveals Toronto turned down offer to return

But from the Blue Jays standpoint, it was surprising that they wouldn’t even consider the former bullpen standout. For a team that had been undergoing a major overhaul of their relief corps following a disastrous 2024 season, Jackson could have played a key role in helping it get back on the right track. After all, as a well-travelled journeyman prior to his arrival in Toronto, he finally became a name of relevance following his exceptional performance during his stint with the club in 2023.

In total, Jackson compiled a 3-1 record with a stellar 2.12 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, giving up just seven earned runs with nine walks and 27 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings pitched over 25 appearances. Most impressively was the fact that he did not yield a single run in all but four outings that whole year. Coming off a down season with the Minnesota Twins last year, Jackson would more than welcome the chance to bounce back with the team that he has had the most success with thus far in his professional baseball career.

Instead, Jackson remains a free agent as he continues to search for that one last opportunity to resume his baseball career now at the age of 37. In the meantime, he had recently published a book titled “9 Innings to Living Your Best Life”, with hopes that, through his work, he could help inspire people to establish a positive mentality in life. For someone with such a heart to help many others in their journey, Jackson truly deserves one more shot to play the game that he loves.