Toronto Blue Jays Quietly Announce Signing of Young Pitcher

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 12: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 12, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t in the postseason, but that hasn’t stopped them from making moves.

On Wednesday, Toronto officially signed a young pitcher to a minor-league contract.

Toronto Blue Jays Quietly Sign Young Pitcher During MLB Playoffs

Toronto Blue Jays Introduce Kazuma Okamoto — GettyTORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 6: Kazuma Okamoto (not pictured) #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays is introduced during a press conference alongside Ross Atkins, General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on January 6, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The Blue Jays signed 18-year-old pitcher Windel Encarnacion to a minor-league deal, according to MiLB.com’s transactions log.

Encarnacion throws and bats right-handed.

World Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Five — GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: A detailed view of Toronto Blue Jays hats and gloves before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Encarnacion was born on Aug. 4, 2008, in San Juan De La Maguana, Dominican Republic.

He is listed at six feet tall. He weighs 149 pounds.

Looking at the Toronto Blue Jays Right Now

Cincinnati Reds v Toronto Blue Jays — GettyTORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 and George Springer #4 and of the Toronto Blue Jays hug after Scherzer was taken out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays ended the regular season with a 79-83 record.

The Blue Jays appeared out of the postseason race in early August. The club traded key players Kevin Gausman and Daulton Varsho.

Toronto Blue Jays v Baltimore Orioles - Game One — GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Kazuma Okamoto #7 after scoring in the sixth inning during game one of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 23, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

However, the team fought back and remained in the postseason race until the last week of the season.

It was nonetheless an extremely disappointing season for the Blue Jays.

In 2025, the Blue Jays were two outs away from winning the World Series before Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas tied Game 7 of the World Series with a ninth-inning home run.

A major reason for the Blue Jays’ regression is the poor play of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had a sub-.600 OPS in 2026.

Toronto Blue Jays v Athletics — GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after he hit a single against the Athletics during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on September 08, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Guerrero is currently in the middle of a $500 million contract.

If the Blue Jays get the best version of Guerrero next year, they will be in much better shape to make a postseason run.

Toronto Blue Jays Quietly Announce Signing of Young Pitcher Amid MLB Playoffs

Toronto Blue Jays Quietly Sign Young Pitcher During MLB Playoffs

Looking at the Toronto Blue Jays Right Now

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