What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed 29-year-old right-handed pitcher Jack Cushing to a minor-league contract, as confirmed by the Major League Baseball transactions log. Cushing, who spent over six years with the Athletics organization, became a free agent in November. Despite a challenging season with Triple-A Las Vegas, where he recorded a 6.67 ERA over 77 2/3 innings, Cushing managed an impressive 11-2 record in 38 appearances, primarily from the bullpen. His career in the minors has been marked by a 4.95 ERA and 538 strikeouts over 565 innings. Cushing, a 22nd-round pick from Georgetown in 2019, has consistently reached the Triple-A level but has yet to make his major league debut. The Blue Jays, known for their strong pitching staff, offer
Cushing a new opportunity to potentially break into the majors.
Why It's Important?
This signing is significant for both Cushing and the Blue Jays. For Cushing, it represents a fresh opportunity to advance his career and possibly achieve his goal of playing in the major leagues. For the Blue Jays, adding Cushing provides additional depth to their pitching roster, which is already considered strong. This move could enhance their bullpen options and provide flexibility during the season. The Blue Jays' decision to sign Cushing reflects their strategy of bolstering their roster with experienced minor league players who have the potential to contribute at the major league level. This approach could be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the league.
What's Next?
Cushing's immediate future with the Blue Jays will likely involve proving his worth during spring training. While there has been no confirmation of a non-roster invite to major league spring training, his performance in the minors will be closely monitored. If he can make the necessary adjustments and demonstrate improvement, Cushing could earn a call-up to the majors. The Blue Jays will assess his progress and determine how he fits into their long-term plans. Meanwhile, Cushing will aim to leverage this opportunity to showcase his skills and secure a more permanent role within the organization.
