Tim Mayza’s path back to stability took a sharp turn in Philadelphia, and now the Phillies are betting on that rebound again. The club has re-signed the former Blue Jays left-hander to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million after his bounce-back 2026 season.
For Mayza, 34, the new deal is another lifeline after a stretch that threatened to knock him out of the big leagues entirely. He had built a reputation as a dependable bullpen arm with Toronto from 2018 through 2023, but everything unraveled in 2024 before he found his footing again with the Phillies.
Last season, Mayza went 3-4 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 60 relief outings. In 67.1 innings, he allowed 18 walks while striking out 64 batters. Phillies manager Don Mattingly also leaned on him in a different role six times, using him as an opener.
Mayza’s best work with the Blue Jays came in 2023, when he turned in a 3-1 record with a career-best 1.52 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He gave up just nine earned runs, struck out 53 in 53.1 innings and made a career-high 69 appearances. Opponents hit only .250 against him that year.
The follow-up was brutal. In 2024, Mayza finished with an ERA above 8.00 and a WHIP near 2.00, and Toronto designated him for assignment midway through the season.
He later moved on to the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates before landing with Philadelphia near the end of the 2025 season. Even though his numbers there were shaky - a 4.91 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 7.1 innings over eight relief appearances - the Phillies still brought him back for 2026, and he rewarded them with a much stronger year.
With Mattingly back in place as manager and Mayza sticking in the bullpen, the Phillies now have a couple of former Blue Jays in the mix heading toward 2027. After an early postseason exit, this should be one of several steps Philadelphia takes as it tries to get back on track as a contender.
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Blue Jays Suddenly Have A Real Shot At An Offseason Ace
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What makes this one worth watching is the landscape around the market, not just the player. The Dodgers have had recent success with Skubal, but there is no guarantee they will be the club to push hardest for him, which could open the door for Toronto if it decides to be aggressive. For a Blue Jays front office under pressure to bounce back, a run at an ace of that caliber would send a clear message about how seriously they intend to address the rotation. [Read more 🡒]