Former Blue Jays pitcher to join franchise greats

Axford, who holds the Brewers' record for most saves in a single season, will join the team's elite list of players recognized for their contributions to franchise history.

While the Brewers' decision may seem surprising given Axford's 4 1/2 years with the team, it was during his time in Milwaukee that he had the most success and became widely known.

Axford also played for the Cardinals, Guardians, Pirates, Rockies, Athletics, Blue Jays, and Dodgers before returning to Milwaukee.

He had a solid stint with his hometown Blue Jays, posting a 4-1 record with a 4.42 ERA in 45 games. He also made his only career start while with Toronto. In 2018, as the Blue Jays entered a rebuilding phase, Axford was traded to the Dodgers at the deadline in exchange for minor league pitcher Corey Copping.

Axford returned to the Blue Jays in 2019 on a minor league deal but never made it back to the majors, as he spent most of the season recovering from injuries.

After exploring broadcasting in 2020, Axford made another return to the Blue Jays in 2021 before being traded back to the Brewers in August. He appeared in just one game that season, throwing a third of an inning before being removed due to injury. He officially announced his retirement in 2024.

For his career, Axford finished with a 38-34 record, a 3.90 ERA, and 144 saves in 544 games.

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