Breaking News: Blue Jays Sign Josh Fleming, But Is It a Smart Move?
In a recent development, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming to a minor league contract, as reported by Alden González of ESPN. This move has sparked some interesting discussions among baseball enthusiasts.
Fleming, a 29-year-old southpaw, brings a unique skill set to the table. Last season, he primarily pitched out of the bullpen for the Mariners' Triple-A team, where he faced some challenges. His ERA stood at 4.91 across 84 1/3 innings, and his strikeout rate was notably low at 11.5%. However, he excelled in inducing ground balls, with a clip of 57.8%.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Fleming's repertoire includes a sinker that barely touches 90 MPH, along with a cutter, changeup, and curveball. This combination of pitches has served him well in the past, especially in the AL East, where he spent most of his career. He was initially drafted by the Rays and has pitched for both Tampa Bay and the Pirates.
His overall major league record shows an ERA of 4.77 across 254 2/3 innings. Similar to his Triple-A performance, Fleming has consistently thrown strikes and induced a high number of groundouts at the big league level. This suggests that he could be a valuable asset in certain situations.
The Blue Jays plan to start Fleming at Triple-A Buffalo, providing depth in long relief. This decision has left some fans and analysts questioning the move. With his unique pitching style, will Fleming be able to make an impact at the major league level? Or is this a low-risk, high-reward strategy by the Blue Jays?
And this is the part most people miss: Fleming's ability to induce ground balls could be a game-changer in certain scenarios. With a strong infield defense, his sinker could be a valuable weapon.
So, what do you think? Is this a smart move by the Blue Jays, or are they taking a chance on a player who might not pan out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and spark a friendly debate.
