2 Blue Jays best taking advantage of 2025 auditions this year, 1 who is struggling

Brendon Little

Back at the start of the 2023-24 offseason, one of their very first moves involved the trade for left-handed pitcher Brendon Little from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. But what seemed to be just a depth acquisition at the time is suddenly turning out to be quite the solid pickup made by Jays’ management.

Having appeared in just one game in the majors prior to joining the Jays, the 26-year-old has made the most of his opportunities with his new club this season. With his current 3.90 ERA, believe it or not, Little actually sports the team’s fourth best ERA among relievers in 2024. Overall, Little has complied a 1-1 record with a 1.34 WHIP, along with 24 strikeouts in 27.2 innings pitched over 29 games played. More importantly, he has gotten better and better as the year progressed as in his last 15 appearances, he had posted a solid 2.25 ERA with 9 strikeouts in 12 innings of work. 

With the Jays having a huge exodus of bullpen arms at the trade deadline, along with the massive struggles of those than remained not named Chad Green or Génesis Cabrera, the consistent performance by Little has opened the door for him to have a potential increased role with the club for next year. Added to the fact that the Jays’ arms in the minor league system had been decimated by injuries this season, Little should be able to get a legitimate shot in making their 2025 roster when the competition in spring training heats up.