The Blue Jays needed bullpen help this winter, regardless of what other plans the team may have for their offense. Toronto added a reliable arm on December 10, when the Blue Jays reportedly agreed to bring back Yimi Garcia.
A Look at Garcia
The Blue Jays benefitted greatly from Yimi Garcia from 2022-24. Garcia originally joined Toronto in 2022 and slotted in well during his first two seasons but became more important in 2024 after Jordan Romano went on the IL.
The 34-year-old struck out 42 over 30 innings and only walked eight, and also picked up five saves. He was arguably Toronto’s most effective in a season where the Blue Jays didn’t get mucn productivity from their bullpen. Toronto relievers finished 2024 29th in ERA (4.82) and 27th in SIERA (4.14).
Garcia was traded to Seattle in the summer for catcher Jacob Sharp and outfielder Jonatan Clase. He only pitched in 10 games with the M’s, before he was shut down with right elbow inflammation.
Garcia can get hitters out with two fastball, a two-seamer with hard sinker and a mid-90s four-seamer. The movement profile on Garcia’s fastball isn’t elite. But, it does come from a lower arm slot with a flat approach angle, which gives the pitch a rising effect.
Garcia’s four-seamer had a 31.7% Whiff% rate last season, second-best among all his pitches. The pitch that yielded the best Whiff%, from a percentage standpoint, was his changeup (42.9%).
Aside from those offering, Garcia also has a curveball, sweeper, and a gyro slider. That diverse arsenal is rare for a reliever, something which benefits the 34-year-old. He can pound the zone, go upstairs, and also work low with a bevy of pitches.
Per reports, the Blue Jays signed Yimi Garcia to a two-year, $15MM deal.
Analysis
The move to bring back Garcia came one day after Jordan Romano, non-tendered in November by Toronto, signed with the Phillies.
Garcia was a natural fit in Toronto, which is why it’s not shocking the Blue Jays brought him back. The 34-year-old slotted in everywhere during his first run in Toronto, whether it be a middle reliever, setup man, and in 2024, interim closer.
Heading into 2025, Garcia will be even more important.
The Blue Jays don’t have an established closer on their roster now that Romano is gone. Chad Green was Toronto’s closer for most 2024, including at the beginning of the season when both he and Garcia were splitting opportunities. He ended 2024 with 17 saves, the most on the Blue Jays.
As things stand now, Garcia and Green are the two likeliest to be the team’s closer in 2025, with the latter having an edge based on what he did last season. Toronto still has Erik Swanson, the team’s primary setup man in 2023, on the roster, plus Zach Pop and Brendon Little.