Toronto Blue Jays Sign Free Agent Left-Handed Pitcher
Bruihl, 27, spent last season in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, making just seven major league appearances before being outrighted off the 40-man roster in July. He elected free agency and now joins Toronto, bringing 76 innings of MLB experience across four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
His career 4.62 ERA, 15.9% strikeout rate, and 46.2% ground ball rate suggest a contact-oriented pitcher who thrives against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .507 OPS, compared to a .918 OPS allowed to righties.
LHP Justin Bruihl and the Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league deal, sources tell @JustBB_Media.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) March 16, 2025
Bruihl made 7 appearances out of the bullpen for the Pirates last year and owns a 4.62 ERA in 76 career innings over parts of four MLB seasons.
With limited left-handed relief options, the Blue Jays are looking for bullpen reinforcements. Brendon Little is expected to be on the Opening Day roster, while Josh Walker is competing for a spot.
Beyond them, Easton Lucas and injured Adam Macko are the only lefty relievers on the 40-man roster, and Toronto has also brought in Amir Garrett, Richard Lovelady, and Eric Lauer on minor league deals.
Bruihl’s late arrival in camp makes it unlikely he will break camp with the big-league club, meaning he will likely start the season in Triple-A Buffalo.
Per @AramLeighton8, the #BlueJays are in agreement with LHP Justin Bruihl.
— Blue Jays Corner (@TOJaysCorner) March 16, 2025
Bruihl had a 9.53 ERA in 5.2 innings with the Pirates last year as the Jays continue to add more southpaws to their depth. pic.twitter.com/s1X8mBclkj
Bruihl’s ability to neutralize lefties gives the Blue Jays a potential midseason bullpen option, especially if injuries or underperformance create an opening.
His minor league track record—211.1 innings with a 26.55% strikeout rate— suggests he has more swing-and-miss potential than his MLB numbers show.
His fastball typically sits in the 88-90 mph range, complemented by a sweeper and cutter.
Photo Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
