Blue Jays Sign LHP Josh Fleming; Expected to Start at Triple‑A Buffalo

The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a minor‑league contract with left‑hander Josh Fleming that includes a non‑roster invitation to major‑league spring training, a move that adds experienced southpaw depth to an already crowded pitching mix. MLB Trade Rumors cited the initial report and projected that Fleming “will likely begin the season at Triple‑A Buffalo as long relief depth.”

Fleming, 29, is a fifth‑round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays from the 2017 draft who made his MLB debut in 2020. He has worked as a starter, an opener, a long reliever and a more traditional bullpen arm over a nine‑year professional career; JaysCentre noted, “Over a nine‑year professional career, Fleming has gained experience as a starter, an opener, a long‑reliever, and a more traditional bullpen arm.” That versatility is precisely why Toronto is adding him as insurance for multiple roles in Buffalo and in case the big‑league staff needs a southpaw option later in the year.

Stat lines from recent seasons present a mixed picture. Multiple outlets reported Fleming’s career major‑league totals as 254 2/3 innings with a 4.77 ERA, and Newsweek noted 161 career MLB strikeouts. His most recent time in the majors came with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024; TSN reported a 4.02 ERA in 25 outings while Sportsnet listed a 4.02 ERA over 31.1 innings. Fleming spent 2025 in Triple‑A within the Mariners system — sources conflict on the exact numbers, with MLB Trade Rumors, Newsweek and Sportsnet citing a 4.91 ERA in roughly 84.1 innings with 44 strikeouts, while TSN reported a 5.66 ERA in 84.1 innings and 47 appearances. MLB Trade Rumors added that he “got ground‑balls at a 57.8% clip but had an 11.5% strikeout rate, the second‑lowest mark among Triple‑A pitchers with at least 50 innings.”

Scouting descriptors underline Fleming’s profile: MLB Trade Rumors called him “a sinkerballer who barely scrapes 90 MPH while mixing in a cutter, changeup and curveball.” The ground‑ball heavy, low‑K profile suggests he can be effective in contact‑oriented relief roles but is less likely to profile as a high‑leverage strikeout arm. Newsweek framed him as “an extreme control pitcher whose success is driven by a high ground‑ball rate (over 58% for his career) and avoiding home runs.”

For the Blue Jays, the signing is pragmatic roster construction. JaysCentre listed five left‑handers on Toronto’s 40‑man roster — Eric Lauer, Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, Ricky Tiedemann and Adam Macko — and noted Fleming will “join the ranks of the 27 other non‑roster invitees.” Sportsnet highlighted other veteran non‑roster invitees such as Connor Seabold, C.J. Stubbs and Eloy Jiménez. Analysts cast Fleming as organizational depth rather than an immediate major‑league answer; as JaysCentre put it, the club “won't be planning to call on Fleming anytime soon, but if he forces the issue with a strong performance, or if injuries force the issue upon him, the Jays could end up very grateful.”

The signing reflects broader industry trends: low‑cost minor‑league deals for veteran swingmen remain a common way for clubs to build pitching depth while preserving payroll flexibility. For Triple‑A Buffalo and Blue Jays fans, Fleming is a name to watch in spring training — his performance will determine whether he remains depth in Buffalo or pushes for a midseason role in Toronto if left‑handed relief becomes a pressing need.