After being designated for assignment last week, Tim Mayza cleared waivers and was released by the Toronto Blue Jays Friday, according to the MLB transaction log.
The Blue Jays will be charged with paying his entire $3.59 million salary.
Mayza struggled to replicate his stellar form from last season for Toronto, which earned him high-leverage outings throughout the 2023 campaign. His ERA ballooned throughout his final five outings with the Blue Jays, rising to nearly 25 over a tough four-inning stretch for the 32-year-old.
For the season, the southpaw carried an 8.03 ERA over 24.2 innings.
“It comes down to performance,” manager John Schneider said after Mayza was designated for assignment. “It’s tough for Timmy. He’s been here for such a long time, been such a big part of our bullpen and our team.
“(It’s) been a rough year for him, so hopefully, a change of scenery is good for him, as much as we hate seeing him go.”
Originally selected by the Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2013 draft, Mayza pitched with Toronto for parts of seven seasons, racking up 283.2 innings with a 3.87 ERA and 292 strikeouts.
Now a free agent, Mayza will look to catch on with another MLB franchise.
The Toronto Blue Jays have made the decision to release left-handed pitcher Tim Mayza after designating him for assignment earlier this week. Mayza, who has been with the Blue Jays organization since being drafted in 2013, was unable to secure a spot on the team’s 40-man roster.
Mayza, 29, made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 2017 and has since been a reliable reliever out of the bullpen. However, he struggled with injuries in recent years, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019. Despite his efforts to make a comeback, Mayza was unable to regain his previous form and was ultimately let go by the team.
The decision to release Mayza was a difficult one for the Blue Jays, as he was a beloved member of the organization and a fan favorite. However, with a crowded bullpen and younger pitchers showing promise, the team felt it was time to move on from Mayza.
In a statement released by the Blue Jays, General Manager Ross Atkins thanked Mayza for his contributions to the team and wished him the best in his future endeavors. Mayza is now a free agent and will have the opportunity to sign with another team if he so chooses.
Despite his release, Mayza remains optimistic about his future in baseball and is determined to continue pursuing his passion for the game. While it is never easy to part ways with a player who has been with the organization for so long, the Blue Jays are confident that this decision was in the best interest of the team moving forward.
As the MLB offseason continues, fans will be eager to see where Mayza lands next and how he will fare with his new team. In the meantime, the Blue Jays will continue to make roster moves in preparation for the upcoming season, hoping to build a competitive team that can contend for a playoff spot in 2022.