Blue Jays designate southpaw reliever Brandon Eisert for assignment

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation
By Tyson Shushkewich | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 7:54 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays made the Anthony Santander signing official earlier this evening, inking the outfielder to a five-year pact worth $92.5 million. The deal carries some deferrals, which have Santander’s contract hitting around the $14 million mark against the CBT, which helps the Jays’ overall salary picture.

Acquiring the power bat means someone has to be dropped from Toronto’s full 40-man roster and left-hander Brandon Eisert was designated for assignment to make room for the former Oriole.

The Blue Jays selected him in the 18th round in the 2019 MLB Draft. The former Oregon State Beaver didn’t make his professional debut until 2021, as the pandemic shut down the minor leagues in 2020.

Blue Jays designate Brandon Eisert for assignment

A reliever by trade, Eisert quickly rose through the Blue Jays farm system – starting his professional career in single-A and finishing the campaign in double-A with 10 outings for the Fisher Cats. He spent the next three seasons in triple-A Buffalo, continuously knocking on the big league door, and finally got an opportunity this past season – making his Major League debut on June 17th. Eisert allowed one hit and three walks through two innings of work against the Boston Red Sox.

The #BlueJays make it official with Anthony Santader.

LHP Brandon Eisert has been DFA'd.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 21, 2025

He would ride the options train the rest of the season, making another appearance on July 29th against Baltimore (2 2/3 innings with three earned runs allowed) and on September 29th against Miami, striking out two batters across two innings. He finished the year with a 4.05 ERA and a 4.37 FIP through 6 2/3 innings. In triple-A, Eisert would craft a 3.86 ERA through 42 outings, making five starts for the Bisons.

Through four seasons in the minors, Eisert has crafted a 3.76 ERA through 246 2/3 innings. He boasts an 11.0 K/9 with a 2.9 BB/9 and owns a 1.285 WHIP through four seasons. The 27-year-old works with a slider, fastball, and changeup.

While it is possible Eisert will pass through waivers unclaimed, his strong minor-league numbers and ability to throw from the left side will likely attract some interested suitors.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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