Blue Jays sign Ryan Borucki to minor-league contract

Borucki, 31, is a left-handed reliever who was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 2012 draft out of high school. He made his big league debut in 2018, starting 17 games with a 3.87 ERA and 3.80 FIP in 97.2 innings pitched. Unfortunately, Borucki missed most of the 2019 season due to injury, ending his career as a starter.

Moving to the bullpen to begin the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, Borucki had a respectable 2.70 ERA and 3.61 FIP in 16.2 innings pitched, with a 28.8 K% and 16.4 BB%. The 2021 season was Borucki’s last full season in the organization, and he had a 4.94 ERA and 5.66 FIP in 23.2 innings pitched. Like the 2019 season, Borucki missed a significant portion of time, this time due to a forearm injury.

The left-handed pitcher’s 2022 season didn’t get off to a great start, giving up seven earned runs in just six and a third innings pitched, prompting the Blue Jays to designate him for assignment. They were able to trade Borucki, moving him to the Seattle Mariners for infield prospect Tyler Keenan, who was released before the 2023 season.

Borucki had an okay end to his 2022 season, posting a 4.26 ERA and 5.59 FIP in 19 innings pitched. After the season ended, he signed with the Chicago Cubs, was DFA’ed, and signed a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

When Borucki returned to the big leagues, he had a career year, authoring a 2.45 ERA and 3.50 FIP, with a 21.7 K% and 2.6 BB% in 40.1 innings pitched. The lefty’s 2024 season was plagued by injury, pitching just 11 innings where he had a 7.36 ERA and 4.53 FIP, with a 25.5 K% and 7.8 BB%.

Despite his tough 2024, the Pirates and Borucki agreed to a minor league deal for the 2025 season, with the 31-year-old making the Opening Day roster. Through 35 games this season, Borucki has a 5.28 ERA and 4.32 FIP in 30.2 innings pitched, with a 21.4 K% and a 9.5 BB%. Last week, he was designated for assignment.

Borucki’s 2025 numbers aren’t great, but he’s incredibly tough on left-handed batters, as they are slashing just .132/.217/.170 off Borucki. That said, he likely won’t be called unless the Blue Jays’ bullpen takes a massive hit over the next few weeks. Borucki joins Joe Mantiply in the Bisons bullpen, as the two relievers, who happen to be left-handed and have significant experience in a big league bullpen.