JUST NOW: Right-hander Free Agent Signs Minor League Contract With Blue Jays…..

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher James Kaprielian to a minor league contract, as reported on June 18, 2024 by Carly Wimer. Kaprielian, a former top prospect in the New York Yankees system, joins the Triple-A Buffalo team according to the team’s official transactions.

Originally drafted as the 16th overall pick, Kaprielian was traded to Oakland in 2017 in exchange for Sonny Gray. Despite battling multiple shoulder injuries that led to surgeries, he made his Major League debut with the Athletics during the shortened 2020 season and continued to pitch for them until becoming a free agent after the 2023 season when Oakland waived him outright.

Known for his potential shown in healthier seasons like 2021 and 2022, where he posted a 4.15 ERA with 221 strikeouts in 253 ⅓ innings across 50 appearances (47 starts), Kaprielian is now nearly a year past his most recent shoulder surgery in August. His signing provides the Blue Jays with much-needed depth following the loss of Alek Manoah to season-ending surgery.

With Toronto currently lacking an established fifth starter behind Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, and Yusei Kikuchi, Kaprielian could become a valuable asset if he can maintain his health. Despite his experience, Kaprielian still qualifies for up to three more years of club control due to his limited big league service time of 2.167 years.