The Toronto Blue Jays release right handed pitcher after disappointing 2025 season
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Victor William
Jan 25, 2026 (12:47)
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays are officially cleaning house in the lower minors, releasing right-hander Carlos Almonte to clear space for the next wave of international talent.
The business of baseball is often brutal, especially in the Dominican Summer League. Almonte's departure registers as a minor transaction, but it signals a necessary roster churn for the organization.
Toronto took a flier on the 6-foot-5 righty in April 2025 after the Yankees cut him loose.
The hope was that his large frame could generate velocity and results against younger competition.
The experiment failed spectacularly. Almonte posted a gruesome 8.25 ERA over 19 appearances for the DSL Blue Jays Red squad.
His command evaporated completely. He walked 16 batters in just 24.0 innings, leading to a swollen 1.71 WHIP that made him unpitchable in high-leverage spots.
Opposing hitters treated him like batting practice, slashing .296 against him. When you are giving up more than a hit per inning in the DSL, your days are numbered.
The context here is age. Almonte is 22 years old pitching in a league dominated by 17 and 18-year-olds. He was a man amongst boys and still couldn't get outs.
The International Signing Period forces difficult roster decisions every January
This move directly correlates with the January 15 international signing window. The Blue Jays need roster spots for their new teenage lottery tickets.
Keeping a struggling 22-year-old in the DSL blocks development innings for the actual prospects the front office is investing millions in.
Almonte's career line now sits at a 5.33 ERA with two organizations. It is hard to see a path back to affiliated ball for him right now.
For Ross Atkins and the player development staff, this is standard operating procedure. You churn the bottom of the roster until you find a diamond in the rough.
Almonte unfortunately proved to be just another arm that couldn't handle the professional zone.
The "bleacher creatures" won't lose sleep over a DSL release, but it serves as a grim reminder of how difficult it is to even reach Low-A Dunedin.
Toronto is clearly prioritizing youth and upside as they restructure their international complex operations for 2026.
Almonte is now a free agent, but his next stop will likely be in an independent league or a winter ball setup rather than an MLB farm system.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
5-player blockbuster trade has the Blue Jays landing a few big pieces from the Cardinals
5-player blockbuster trade has the Blue Jays landing a few big pieces from the Cardinals
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JANVIER 25|356 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays release right handed pitcher after disappointing 2025 season Line 1: Do you trust the Blue Jays' current international scouting strategy? | ||
| Yes | 267 | 75 % |
| No | 89 | 25 % |
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