Ross Atkins, Blue Jays, completely disrespect former relief pitcher
It appears that the Blue Jays rejected one of their own.
Jay Jackson only spent one season with the Blue Jays in 2023. However, he became a fan favourite due to his positive attitude, smiling presence and a 2.12 ERA.
After an unsuccessful stint in Minnesota, the rehabbing right hander and newly-minted author author had expressed interest in returning to the 6ix. Apparently, Jackson was told that the Blue Jays had no interest.
Now, signing a nearly 38-year old reliever with an injury history coming off a not-great season can be a risky move, but Jackson's injury troubles seem to be behind him and he was such a key part of that 2023 team - a killer bullpen that the Blue Jays are trying to find their back to - that a minor league deal or a split contract similar to the one that Jackson signed prior to 2023, seems like a low-risk, high reward move.
Maybe it's part of their less-fun shift in philosophy.
As always, Jackson took the news with positivity and professionalism. Baseball is a business after all.
Jackson has spent parts of six seasons in MLB with the Padres, Brewers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Twins. He owns a career 7-4 record with 136 strikeouts in 113.2 innings. His lone season with Toronto was by far his best statistically.
He has also spent time in Japan, spending three years with the Hiroshima Carp and one with the Chiba Lotte Marines. In NBP, he has a 10-8 record with 2.16 ERA and 206 total K's.
Heading into Spring Training, Jackson currently remains unsigned.
