Toronto Blue Jays Sign Jacob Barnes, Former Nationals Pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Jacob Barnes to a minor league contract, including an invitation to major league Spring Training. Barnes, a nine-year MLB veteran, had a 4.36 ERA last season with the Washington Nationals and has previously played for the Blue Jays in 2021. This signing marks another effort by the Blue Jays to bolster their bullpen, which struggled last season, finishing last in WAR and ERA. In a separate deal, the New York Mets announced they signed former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Connor Overton to a minor league deal for the 2025 season, who had a 4.85 ERA over 59 MLB innings from 2021 to 2023. Both teams are looking to improve their pitching rosters as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Blue Jays are particularly focused on retooling their bullpen to enhance their postseason prospects.