If nothing else, the Blue Jays got quite a bit smarter on Monday.
The Jays signed veteran lefthanded reliever Craig Breslow -- an Ivy Leaguer often referred to as one of the most intelligent players in baseball -- to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League spring training. Toronto pitchers and catchers hold their first workout in Dunedin on Wednesday.
We've signed LHP Craig Breslow to a Minor League deal with an invite to Major League #SpringTraining.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 12, 2018
Breslow holds a 3.45 ERA over 12 MLB seasons. pic.twitter.com/77dlN4fxDs
Breslow reportedly has an opt-out of his contract at or near the end of spring training. If he makes the big league roster, Breslow's contract reported is worth $1.25 million.
The Blue Jays are stockpiling veteran Major League relievers on Minor League deals heading into spring training. Breslow joins a group including John Axford, Al Alburquerque, Jake Petricka and Rhiner Cruz. He is the only lefty in the mix, perhaps giving him an upper hand in landing a spot on the 25-man roster.
Blue Jays Spring Training: Where, when, Grapefruit League schedule
Aaron Loup is the one lefthander that is a lock for the Jays Opening Day roster. Matt Dermody and Tim Mayza are among the other Major League lefty options in the pen for the Jays.
Breslow helped the Red Sox win the 2013 World Series, a year in which he fashioned a microscopic 1.81 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 61 regular season appearances. Since then he has not had an ERA lower than 4.15 nor a WHIP better than 1.42.
MORE: Blue Jays to retire Ray Halladay's number
Last year, Breslow split the season between the Twins and Indians, joining Cleveland in late August. He combined to appear in 37 games with a 5.09 ERA and 1.56 WHIP.
Hie big league career began in 2005 with the Padres, and all told Breslow has pitched for seven different organizations -- not including two stints apiece with the Red Sox, Indians and Twins. In 576 career games, Breslow is 23-30 with 24 saves, and a 3.45 ERA.