Connor Seabold coming back into the fold as Blue Jays continue their bullpen shuffle

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-handed reliever Connor Seabold from the Detroit Tigers, taking the place of Chase Lee in John Schneider’s bullpen. Seabold previously spent spring training with Toronto but left camp after posting a 6.75 ERA. He later joined Detroit and produced a 3.45 ERA over 15.2 innings across 11 outings, including a 39.4% strikeout rate during spring training. Detroit designated him for assignment after an ankle injury and because he was out of minor-league options, while making room for Troy Melton. Toronto traded high-A lefty Juanmi Vasquez, who is 22 with a 5.87 ERA, to complete the deal. Seabold is expected to contribute in middle innings for an injury-affected pitching staff.

"Blue Jays announce they've acquired righty reliever Connor Seabold from the Tigers for high-A Vancouver lefty Juanmi Vasquez.Seabold was in camp with the Blue Jays in the spring but exercised an out and joined the Tigers, where he had a 3.45 ERA in 15.2 innings over 11 outings.- Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) May 27, 2026"

"Astute fans will remember that Seabold was actually a Blue Jay during spring training, though he failed to make the team out of camp thanks to his 6.75 ERA. That choice was actually more controversial than it appeared at first glance, primarily thanks to the right-hander's 39.4% strikeout rate during the exhibition slate. He wound up latching onto the Tigers and was rather impressive, pitching to a 3.45 ERA (2.40 xERA) across 15.2 innings. Now back in Toronto, Seabold should have every chance to earn a permanent spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen."

"Much like his ouster from Blue Jays camp, it was surprising when the Tigers designated Seabold for assignment. He did miss nearly a month with an ankle injury, but he was largley effective for his new team when healthy. Alas, he is out of minor-league options, and Detroit needed to clear space for the return of Troy Melton."

"The Blue Jays did have to surrender a prospect, Juanmi Vasquez, in order to acquire the 30-year-old, but Vasquez is a 22-year-old with a 5.87 ERA in High-A this year. His absence will hardly be felt in the organization. In return, Seabold will try and hold down the fort in the middle innings for an injury-plagued pitching staff. He had his fair share of ugly outings in Detroit, but his overall results are worth buying into; he's been excellent at limiting hard cont"

Read at Jays Journal