The Toronto Blue Jays continue to reshape their bullpen this offseason, officially adding sidearming right-hander Tyler Rogers on a three-year, $37 million deal - a contract that could stretch to four years and $48 million if certain vesting options kick in. Rogers, known for his funky delivery and groundball-heavy approach, immediately slides into a key role in the Jays' late-inning plans. But his addition also meant a corresponding roster move, and the team made a surprising one: designating lefty Justin Bruihl for assignment.
That decision leaves Toronto with just three left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster who have logged big-league innings. While top prospects Ricky Tiedemann and Adam Macko are also on the 40-man and could debut in 2026, the Jays clearly felt a need to reinforce their left-handed depth. Enter Michael Plassmeyer - a former Phillies pitcher who’s had a rocky ride in the majors but brings an intriguing skill set to the table.
Michael Plassmeyer Signs Minor League Deal with Blue Jays
Plassmeyer, now 29, joins the Blue Jays on a minor league contract. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023, and his last outing in The Show was, frankly, a nightmare.
Starting against the Mets, he breezed through the first inning before the game unraveled. Three runs in the second, five more in the third, and a two-run homer to Francisco Lindor in the fourth capped off a brutal line: 3.2 innings, 10 runs (nine earned), three homers allowed.
That was the last time he took a big league mound.
Since then, Plassmeyer has bounced between organizations, trying to find his footing. In 2024, he landed with the Pirates and showed flashes of promise.
Over 70.1 innings - including 11 starts - he punched out 86 batters while walking just 13, good for an impressive 11.0 K/9 and 6.62 K/BB ratio. But the results didn’t match the peripherals.
He gave up 96 hits and posted a 7.93 ERA, a number that suggests when hitters made contact, it was often loud.
In 2025, he spent the full season with the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock. There, he found a bit more stability.
Over 105.2 innings (28 games, 16 starts), he cut his ERA to 4.93. His strikeout rate dipped slightly to 8.4 K/9, and his walk rate rose to 2.9 BB/9.
One red flag: he gave up 17 home runs, continuing a trend of getting burned by the long ball.
Why the Blue Jays Are Taking a Shot on Plassmeyer
So why bring him in? One reason: his effectiveness against left-handed hitters in 2025.
In a sizable sample - 197 lefty batters faced - Plassmeyer held them to a .165/.228/.263 slash line, translating to a .491 OPS. He allowed just 19 hits and three homers to lefties all season, with a .246 BABIP against.
That kind of specialized success is exactly what teams look for in a depth bullpen piece, especially one who can be stashed in Triple-A and called up when needed.
For a Blue Jays bullpen that’s already added Rogers and is looking to build out its middle relief corps, Plassmeyer fits the mold of a low-risk, potentially useful arm. If he can carry over his lefty-suppressing numbers into a relief role - and if the Jays can help him limit damage against righties and keep the ball in the park - there’s a path for him to contribute in 2026.
At this point, Plassmeyer isn’t being brought in to headline the bullpen. But in a long season, matchups matter, and having a guy who can neutralize left-handed hitters could prove valuable, especially in tight situations or as a bridge in middle innings.
The Blue Jays know they’ll need depth, and Plassmeyer gives them a left-handed option with some upside - even if his major league resume is still looking for a redemption arc.