What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed 29-year-old right-handed pitcher Jack Cushing to a minor-league contract. Cushing, who spent over six years with the Oakland Athletics organization, became a free agent in November. Despite his experience, there is no current indication that Cushing will receive a non-roster invitation to the Blue Jays' major league spring training. Last season, Cushing played for Triple-A Las Vegas, where he recorded a 6.67 ERA over 77 2/3 innings, achieving an 11-2 record in 38 appearances, primarily as a reliever. Throughout his minor league career, Cushing has maintained a 4.95 ERA with 538 strikeouts in 565 innings. Drafted in the 22nd round out of Georgetown in 2019, Cushing has consistently reached the Triple-A level
but has yet to make his major league debut.
Why It's Important?
This signing is significant for both Cushing and the Blue Jays. For Cushing, it represents another opportunity to potentially break into the major leagues, a goal he has pursued since being drafted. For the Blue Jays, adding Cushing provides depth to their pitching roster, which is already considered strong. While Cushing's path to the majors may be challenging given the Blue Jays' current pitching talent, his experience and potential for improvement could make him a valuable asset. This move also highlights the Blue Jays' strategy of bolstering their roster with experienced minor league players who could contribute if needed.
What's Next?
Cushing will likely begin his tenure with the Blue Jays in the minor leagues, where he will aim to refine his skills and improve his performance. His progress will be closely monitored by the Blue Jays' coaching staff, who will assess his potential for a call-up to the majors. The team's decision to invite him to major league spring training could depend on his performance in the early part of the season. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will continue to evaluate their pitching options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
