Former Blue Jays pitcher finds new home with the Milwaukee Brewers
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Victor William
Jan 30, 2026 (10:32 PM)
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Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers have officially signed Jacob Waguespack to a minor league deal, giving the veteran right-hander another shot at sticking in a big-league bullpen.
This is a classic "depth with upside" move that could quietly pay dividends for a team always looking to maximize pitching value.
He arrives in camp as a non-roster invitee, ready to battle for a spot on a staff that has a history of turning cast-offs into contributors.
Jacob Waguespack (Drafted Round 37, 2012 by Pirates) has taken the long road to get here.
After declining to sign with Pittsburgh out of high school, he went undrafted out of Ole Miss and had to fight his way up as a free agent signing.
His time in Toronto showed flashes of promise, especially in 2019 when he ate innings as a starter.
But his recent stint in Japan with the Orix Buffaloes is where things get interesting.
He was a key part of their championship run in 2022, closing out the Japan Series with a save in Game 7.
That kind of high-pressure experience is invaluable, even if his 2024 MLB return with Tampa Bay didn't go as planned (5.40 ERA in limited action).
Waguespack's time in Toronto was short lived as he only spent two seasons here between 2019-2020 before electing free agency.
A low-risk gamble with a proven arm
The Brewers are masters at identifying specific traits they can fix or enhance.
Waguespack brings a four-pitch mix, including a cutter and a curveball that have served him well in the past.
At 32 years old, he isn't a prospect anymore, but he is a survivor who knows how to adapt.
If he can harness the form that made him a champion in Japan, he provides crucial swingman depth for a long season.
Fans should root for guys like this—players who have grinded through every level, crossed oceans, and are still hungry for one more shot at The Show.
He’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain in Arizona this spring.
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