**DUNEDIN, Fla.** — On Thursday morning, Anthony Santander, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho faced a daunting task: stepping into the batter’s box for live batting practice against two Toronto Blue Jays pitchers gearing up for the season. First up was Kevin Gausman, a right-hander firing mid-90s fastballs and sharp splitters. Next was Ryan Yarbrough, a lefty with a sidearm delivery and a five-pitch arsenal ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s. The hitters then faced Gausman and Yarbrough again, making it a challenging day at the plate.
“We couldn’t be more different,” Gausman said of the duo. “Not a good matchup day for the hitters.” Yarbrough agreed, noting the advantage of following Gausman: “I can come in and show them something completely different.”
This contrast is precisely why the Blue Jays re-signed Yarbrough to a minor-league deal for 2025 after acquiring him from the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer. His unorthodox, low-slot delivery and diverse pitch mix provide a stark contrast to the power arms in Toronto’s bullpen. While Yarbrough is competing with other veteran relievers for a roster spot, he’s the front-runner and would earn $2 million if his contract is selected. His strong finish last season—posting a 2.01 ERA over 31.1 innings—and his rapport with the coaching staff made his return a natural fit.
“It made a big difference coming back,” Yarbrough said. “The coaching staff and everyone said, ‘We really enjoyed having you here.’ Knowing the people here made it an easy decision.”
Yarbrough’s effectiveness lies in his uniqueness. His fastball velocity ranks among the lowest in MLB, and his arm angle is nearly parallel to the ground. He throws the second-slowest curveball in the league with significant horizontal break, and his sinker ranks in the 95th percentile for downward movement. These traits make him a nightmare for hitters, as evidenced by his MLB-leading low hard-hit rate and consistently elite exit velocity numbers. While he doesn’t rack up strikeouts, his ability to induce soft contact is nearly unmatched.
Advanced metrics like Statcast’s run value highlight Yarbrough’s impact. His sinker and curveball were among the most effective pitches in baseball last season, contributing significantly to his 3.19 ERA (123 ERA+). “He can make you look really uncomfortable,” Gausman said. “I respect guys like him who have to really pitch.”
Yarbrough’s versatility is another asset. Last season, the Blue Jays used him in various roles—short stints, bulk innings, and emergency relief. His adaptability makes him a valuable piece for navigating the unpredictable challenges of a long season. “He helps you win tomorrow as much as he helps you win today,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Blue Jays’ familiarity with Yarbrough from his time with the Tampa Bay Rays also played a role in his resurgence. Pitching coach Pete Walker identified a mechanical flaw in Yarbrough’s delivery mid-season and helped him correct it, leading to improved command. Additionally, Yarbrough adjusted his arm angle and pitch usage, rediscovering his effectiveness against right-handed hitters.
“Small things like that can pay huge dividends,” Yarbrough said. His ability to adapt and thrive as an unconventional pitcher continues to prove that being different can be a significant advantage. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Yarbrough remains a key piece of the Blue Jays’ pitching puzzle.
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