Toronto Blue Jays run afoul of MLB Marketing rules

It's no secret that the Jays have had a long-held desire to sign a Japanese player. With their logo now super recognizable and with the team having more sway and marketability following their World Series run, it's understandable it would make an appearance at an international sporting event.

Turns out however, the Blue Jays allegedly didn't obtain permission from the league before doing so, which is a violation of MLB's marketing rules and regulations.

According to Evan Drellich, baseball insider for the New Yorker and the first to report on the story, "major league baseball teams are not supposed to place ads abroad without the league office's blessing, which the Jays did not have. "

In the league's view, the Blue Jays placing an ad internationally without first obtaining permission gives the appearance of an unfair advantage and league rules stipulates that all teams have to be on a level playing field in regards to marketing opportunities.

The Blue Jays logo was highly visible in multiple places throughout the boxing match, including on the surface on the ring as well as on the ropes.

While it is unknown if the Blue Jays will receive any punishment for this apparent violation of league rules, it is also unlikely that the commissioner's office ignores it.

Given how the strict the league has been in the past in regards to players and personnel running afoul of MLB Law, the Jays could be on the receiving end of a monetary penalty.

Stay tuned.