A former Tigers pitcher has finally found a new team after spending more than a month in free agency.
As the unofficial first half of the 2025 MLB season wraps up and the spotlight shifts to the All-Star break festivities—including the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game—teams continue to tweak their rosters. The Detroit Tigers, one of the stronger teams so far this season, are sending six players to the Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.
But while the Tigers enjoy their All-Star representation, other clubs are making moves—and one of those includes former Detroit lefty Joe Mantiply.
Mantiply, who made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2016, pitched in just five games for Detroit, struggling to a 16.88 ERA before being waived at season’s end. Now in 2025, after being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in early June, the veteran reliever has finally landed with a new team.
Ex-Tigers Pitcher Joe Mantiply Signs With Toronto Blue Jays
Joe Mantiply’s 2025 season has been a tough one, a stark contrast to his solid performance last year when he posted a 3.92 ERA over 75 outings. Now 34, the veteran left-hander has struggled mightily this season, recording an alarming 15.83 ERA in just 10 big-league appearances.
In 9.2 innings of work, Mantiply gave up 26 hits, 17 earned runs, five home runs, and three walks, managing only eight strikeouts. Opposing hitters teed off on him, batting a staggering .481.
The Diamondbacks bounced Mantiply between the majors and Triple-A Reno throughout the first two months of the season. While his numbers were slightly better in the minors—posting a 5.56 ERA in 10 appearances—it wasn’t enough to keep him in the organization. Now, Mantiply is hoping for a fresh start with the Blue Jays, aiming to work his way back from the minors and rediscover his form.
