Blue Jays Spring Training invitees

Blue Jays Spring Training invitees

6:27 PM UTC

The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to terms with the following free agents on Minor League contracts with invites to 2025 Major League Spring Training:

  • RHP Eric Pardinho
  • LHP Eric Lauer
  • C Ali Sánchez

Pardinho, 23, appeared in 45 games between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo this past season, posting a 3.25 ERA with a .194 opponent AVG, a 28.1% strikeout rate, and a 34.1% whiff rate. The right-handed reliever from Lucelia, Brazil, was originally signed by the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2017. In his 119 career appearances (21 starts) across the Blue Jays system, he has gone 13-7 while recording a 4.22 ERA in 232.2 innings with a 27.5% strikeout rate.

Lauer, 29, suited up for 19 appearances (16 starts) between the Pirates and Astros’ Triple-A squads in 2024, posting a 5.26 ERA with a 9.1% walk rate, a 25.3% strikeout rate, and a 29.3% chase rate. In August, the left-hander joined the Kia Tigers of the KBO League, recording a 4.93 ERA across seven starts. The Elyria, OH, native was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 1st round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Kent State University, making his MLB debut with the club in 2018. Across six MLB seasons between the Padres and Brewers, he has made a total of 120 appearances (112 starts), going 36-37 with a 4.30 ERA in 596.2 innings.

Sánchez, 27, played 31 games for the Marlins this past season, while also appearing in 48 games between Triple-A Jacksonville and the Cubs Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Between both levels, he hit .205 with 14 doubles, three home runs, and 26 RBI. Behind the plate, the 6-1, 200 lb. catcher recorded six blocks above average at the Major League level, while throwing out nine of 34 attempted base stealers. The right-handed hitter from Carora, Venezuela, was signed by the New York Mets as an international free agent in 2013, eventually making his MLB debut with the club in 2020. Across parts of three big league seasons, he has appeared in a total of 38 MLB contests with the Mets, Cardinals, and Marlins.