The Toronto Blue Jays have an incredible new relief pitcher
Photo credit: ODU Sports
Hunter Gregory, an eighth-round pick in the 2021 draft, began his pro career with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, where he struggled, recording a 13.50 ERA and 8.63 FIP over six innings.
His 2022 campaign with the High-A Vancouver Canadians wasn't much better, he posted a 7.24 ERA and 3.60 FIP across 32.1 innings in just 10 appearances, as injuries sidelined him for July through September.
Blue Jays pitcher has been tearing it up in Double-A.
Ryley Delaney from Blue Jays Nation writes that after missing significant time, Gregory participated in the 2022 Arizona Fall League but struggled over 12 innings. He showed improvement in 2023, recording a 4.34 ERA and 4.04 FIP across 56 innings at High-A, including 11 starts in 24 appearances. His strikeout rate dipped slightly to 25.9%, down from 27.6% the year before.
"In 2024, Gregory reached the upper-minors for the first time in his career, pitching for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. By this point, Gregory had become a full-time relief pitcher, starting just two of the 43 games he pitched in. Overall, he finished with a 5.54 ERA and a 3.82 FIP, with a 26.7 K% and an 11.1 BB%." -Delaney
Gregory appears to have turned a corner in 2025. Now 26 and still pitching for the Fisher Cats, the right-hander boasts a 0.56 ERA and a 2.25 FIP over 16 innings. He's striking out 31.8% of batters while walking 10.6%. Among Blue Jays pitchers with at least 10 innings this season, Gregory ranks 11th in both strikeout rate and K-BB% (21.2%).
"The righty may have become a full-time reliever, but he still has a starter's pitch mix. He features a four-seam fastball, cutter, slider, and a changeup." -Delaney
Given Gregory's strong performance this season, it's likely he'll be promoted to Triple-A soon. If he keeps up his success there, he could get a chance to join the Blue Jays roster sometime in 2025 or 2026.
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