Pittsburgh Pirates sign former Blue Jays fan favourite

The Pittsburgh announced that they have signed left-handed reliever Tim Mayza to major league contract. The deal, which has not been finalized, was first reported by MLB Pirates writer Alex Stumpf.

Mayza was a fan favourite and beloved clubhouse during his time in Toronto.

After being drafted by the Blue Jays in the 12th back in 2013, Mayza made his major league debut in 2017. Although he missed 2020 due to recovering from Tommy John surgery, he ultimately spent parts of seven years with the team.

His best season came in 2023, when he went 3-1 with a dazzling 1.52 ERA in 69 games, in which he threw 53.1 innings.

However, he struggled to find his form in 2024, watching his ERA balloon to 8.03 in 35 appearances before being cut by the team. He quickly signed a deal with the New York Yankees, ultimately appearing in 15 games for them down the stretch. During his time in pinstripes he was 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 18 innings. He was non-tendered by New York and became a free agent after the season.

The key to the deal is that it is a major league contract. As Mayza has over five years of service time, he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent. As he is also out of options, it is likely that he opens the season as a member of manager Derek Shelton's bullpen.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is thought to be less than the $4MM arbitration projection.

In a career 367 games, Mayza is 20-9 with a 3.88 ERA to along with four saves.

SOURCE - MLB Trade Rumours

For all your current Toronto Blue Jays and MLB baseball news check out BlueJaysCentral.com on Facebook, X and Blue Sky.