Former Blue Jays reliever Jay Jackson lands coaching job
Photo credit: Blue Jays Nation
After retiring from professional baseball earlier this year, former Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jay Jackson is now turning his focus to developing the next generation of talent.
He was officially named the pitching coach for the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League.
Former Blue Jays reliever has taken up coaching.
Nick Prasad of Blue Jays Nation writes that Jackson, a six-year MLB veteran, began his professional journey when the Chicago Cubs drafted him in 2008. He made his Major League debut in 2015 with the San Diego Padres and later spent several years playing in Japan, gaining valuable international experience before returning to the big leagues.
"He also spent a year apiece with the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. Jackson's final career statistical line is a 0.7 WAR with a 7-4 win-loss record, a 4.43 ERA in 104 games, 35 games finished, 113 and 2/3 innings pitched, 136 strikeouts, 49 walks, and a 4.47 FIP.
With the Jays, he became a fan favourite because of his personality and also performed well, amassing a 2.12 ERA and a 4.20 FIP through 29 2/3 innings with a 0.910 WHIP." -Prasad
With the Jays, he became a fan favourite because of his personality and also performed well, amassing a 2.12 ERA and a 4.20 FIP through 29 2/3 innings with a 0.910 WHIP." -Prasad
Jackson joins the West Virginia Black Bears' coaching staff alongside newly appointed manager Jonathan Nunnally and bench coach Antonio Caballero.
His move into the MLB Draft League mirrors that of fellow former Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch, who began his own Draft League coaching career in 2022 as the manager of the Williamsport Crosscutters.
Congrats to Jay Jackson (@Jaxland58), a former #BlueJays reliever who retired earlier this year but has now moved into a role as the pitching coach for the West Virginia Black Bears in the MLB Draft League!
Prasad also writes that the MLB Draft League is a six-team showcase league designed to spotlight draft-eligible talent.
It operates in two halves: the first features amateur and draft-eligible players ahead of the midsummer MLB Draft, while the second half includes players who have exhausted their college eligibility and are seeking a professional opportunity to continue their playing careers.
"The showcase portion of the league allows draft-eligible players to play up to 34 games, while upping their draft stock and giving a second chance to scouts for evaluation.
Canadian Jonah Tong played in the MLB Draft League before being selected by the New York Mets, as did fellow Canucks LP Langevin and Josiah Romeo, who were drafted by the Kansas City Royals and Athletics, respectively." -Prasad
Canadian Jonah Tong played in the MLB Draft League before being selected by the New York Mets, as did fellow Canucks LP Langevin and Josiah Romeo, who were drafted by the Kansas City Royals and Athletics, respectively." -Prasad
In the professional half of the MLB Draft League season, players who are no longer draft-eligible and have finished their college careers can participate in up to 46 games. These players are fully compensated, reflecting the league's pro-level structure.
The West Virginia Black Bears will kick off their season at home on June 4.
Source:
Blue Jays Nation
Former Blue Jays reliever Jay Jackson lands a coaching job in the MLB Draft League
Blue Jays Nation
Former Blue Jays reliever Jay Jackson lands a coaching job in the MLB Draft League
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MAI 13 | 1231 ANSWERS Former Blue Jays reliever Jay Jackson lands coaching job Do you think the former Blue Jays' reliever will be a good coach? | ||
| yes | 864 | 70.2 % |
| no | 367 | 29.8 % |
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