Toronto Blue Jays newly signed pitcher will not be playing for them after all
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Victor William
Feb 11, 2026 (12:40)
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Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Phillippe Aumont is staying retired from the Blue Jays but his return to Team Canada is the incredible WBC storyline we need.
The baseball world was briefly buzzing with rumors of a miraculous major league comeback for the big right-hander.
Seeing his name suddenly appear on the Toronto transaction log sent shockwaves through the passionate Canadian fan base.
The reality of the situation is purely administrative and not a secret minor league signing by Ross Atkins.
Phillippe Aumont is not coming out of retirement with the #BlueJays.
That showed in the transaction log because he’d voluntarily retired with Toronto and needed to be taken off that list to compete in the WBC with Canada.
That showed in the transaction log because he’d voluntarily retired with Toronto and needed to be taken off that list to compete in the WBC with Canada.
Aumont (Drafted 1st Round, 2007 by Mariners) needed to clear this red tape to officially compete in the World Baseball Classic.
The 37-year-old veteran has not pitched in a professional regular season game since he walked away from the sport in 2020.
Reinstating his active status is a mandatory technicality required by the league office to allow international participation.
Pitching for the national team is the ultimate honor
Hearing that he will wear the Canadian colors again fills our entire fan base with immense pride and joy.
We all remember his imposing mound presence and the sheer passion he brings to the sport during international competition.
His career major league numbers, including a 6.80 ERA and a 1-6 record, do not tell the full story of his talent.
When he puts on that Team Canada jersey, he transforms into a completely different beast who thrives under intense pressure.
The Blue Jays might not be getting bullpen help, but the national squad is getting an incredible emotional leader.
It takes serious dedication to keep your arm in shape for a massive tournament after being away from the daily grind.
Let us all rally behind him as he takes the global stage to make our great country proud one more time.
Seeing familiar faces represent the nation is exactly why the international tournament captures our hearts every single time.
Get ready to cheer loudly when he finally takes the mound against the best hitters in the entire world.
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