Ryan Yarbrough is a free agent after a solid season with the Yankees. The former Blue Jays lefty could be exactly the kind of cheap depth Toronto needs.

He elected free agency on Oct. 29. In 2026, he went 2-1 with a 3.69 ERA over 38 games in New York.

He also pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March.

Toronto fans remember his short stay. The Jays acquired him from the Dodgers on July 30, 2024, sending Kevin Kiermaier and cash to Los Angeles.

He was excellent in that brief stint. He posted a 2.01 ERA over 12 games.

Why does a 34-year-old swingman matter? Because Toronto's staff is short on lefties.

Ryan Yarbrough fills the Blue Jays' lefty bullpen gap

Mason Fluharty carried a huge load as the team's top left-handed reliever, leading the majors in appearances.

The rotation doesn't have a lefty either. Dylan Cease, José Soriano, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce are all right-handers.

Yarbrough's value has always been versatility. He can start, piggyback or work multiple innings in relief.

He's a smart, low-cost target. Toronto shouldn't spend big on a long reliever, but a short deal for a reliable lefty who already knows the clubhouse makes sense.

He's like the utility drawer in a kitchen. Not glamorous, but you're glad it's there when you need something fast.

He's been around, too. Drafted in the fourth round in 2014, he's pitched for the Rays, Dodgers, Royals, Jays and Yankees over nine seasons.

The competition will be real. Lefty relievers are always in demand, and a Yankees connection could keep him in the AL East anyway.

With free agency opening Monday and a lockout looming, cheap depth deals could come fast. If Ross Atkins wants a lefty swingman, Yarbrough deserves a call.