The Toronto Blue Jays had an unexpected, yet brief renuion with Ryan Borucki.
Once a 15th round draft pick for the Blue Jays, Borucki spent nearly 10 years in the organization before he was designated for assignment in 2022. He went on to pitch for the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates in the subsequent 3 1/2 years, but returned to the Blue Jays on a free-agent deal in August.
However, after he made four scoreless appearances for the Blue Jays in the regular season, Borucki was left off the postseason roster. He elected free agency in November, and on Sunday, he reportedly landed with a new club for the upcoming season.
According to a report from Scott Merkin of MLB.com, the Chicago White Sox signed Borucki to a minor-league contract on Sunday. The eight-year veteran will attempt to reach the 200 appearance mark this year at the major league level, as he finished his season with the Blue Jays at 187.
With a 4.12 career ERA and 214 strikeouts in 256 1/3 innings, Borucki is the quintessential crafty lefty reliever. His best season was 2023 with Pittsburgh, when he posted a 2.45 ERA in 38 appearances.
Chicago made some progress last year after its record-low 2024 season, but there are still plenty of opportunities for veterans who have been discarded by other organizations to come to Chicago and try for a career resurgence.
Borucki will compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training, but if he does not make the roster, it remains to be seen whether he will accept an assignment to Triple-A.
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