Blue Jays finalize deal with Dillon Tate.

According to Blue Jays insiders Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith, the deal is a split contract worth $1.4MM with a bonus of $50K should he reach both 45 and 50 games pitched.

To make room for Tate on the 40-man roster, pitcher Angel Bastardo has been transferred to the 60-day IL. The move was widely expected as the Rule 5 pick is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until August.

A split contract means that a player will earn different salaries player earns different salaries for Major League service and Minor League service, typically earning a pro-rated portion of their MLB salary while on the MLB roster.

While that doesn't automatically mean that Tate will be sent down at any point during the year, he does have a minor league option remaining - for now.

Tateis currently 28 days from reaching five years of service time at which point he can't be sent down without his consent.

It's a very similar deal to the one they had with Jay Jackson in 2023.

Having the ability to option Tate is key. While Erik Swanson will start the season on the IL, if he is able to return at some point during the season, the Blue Jays will need to make a move.

Tate, Brendon Little, and Nick Sandlin, are the only pitchers who would be able to be sent down in this case.

With Tate in the fold, as well as the addition of Ryan Yarbrough, the Blue Jaysbullpen should be set. Look for Tate to be a mid-to-late innings bridge to closer Jeff Hoffman.