This isn’t too surprising, as the 30-year-old had success in both the minor leagues and major leagues in the Blue Jays system last season. With the Blue Jays, he had a 1.38 ERA and a 3.88 FIP in 13 innings pitched, along with a 24 K% and a 12 BB%.

He had more of a sample size with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he posted a 2.34 ERA and a 2.78 FIP in 42.1 innings pitched, along with a 27.4 K% and a 9.5 BB%. He was also Buffalo’s primary closer, as he registered 12 saves for the season.

Gage was placed on unconditional release waivers on February 6th, meaning that he likely had an international opportunity. Since the Astros picked up Gage, he will remain on the team’s 40-man roster, meaning that he could be one of the first to earn a call-up to the team – if he doesn’t make it out of spring training.

In terms of depth, the Blue Jays bullpen did take a little bit of a hit, but they’ve invited five left-handed pitchers to spring training as non-roster invitees. You can read more about that here.

With all that being said, we here at Blue Jays Nation wish nothing but the best for Matt Gage. It would be awesome to see him make an impact for the Astros in 2023!