Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage does not want your baseball cards, criticized by fans for autograph stance
Photo credit: https://www.chch.com/
Toronto Blue Jays rookie standout Trey Yesavage is asking fans to stop mailing him baseball cards in hopes of getting autographs.
Trey Yesavage rose to prominence last fall, quickly going from a minor-league prospect to a widely recognized name in Major League Baseball.
The 22-year old's breakout postseason included a record-setting performance, as he tallied 39 strikeouts, the most ever by a rookie pitcher in a single postseason.
Unsurprisingly, his sudden success sparked major interest among collectors, making his baseball cards highly sought after.
However, speaking this week on the WeTheHobby podcast, Yesavage made it clear he’s not interested in participating in mail-in autograph requests.
"People send me my cards in the mail, with notes saying sign and send back, but I don't sign them," Yesavage said. "If you're sending them to me, you're not going to get them back."
Yesavage added that he typically keeps the cards he receives, often giving them to family and friends, a stance that hasn’t gone over well with some collectors.
Yesavage being heavily criticized for stance on autographs
Mail-in autograph requests have long been a tradition in the hobby, and some fans voiced their frustration online.
"Sending cards through the mail for autographs is as old as the hobby. Yesavage is off the mark on this one," one collector said on X. "I'm going to start sending him cards of guys that hit home runs off him. He can keep them."
Another user replied to the clip of the podcast, posting: "That's fine. Just don't ask us to try your new energy drink, or visit your favourite car dealership. Just shut up and pitch."
Despite the backlash, Yesavage acknowledged that he understands the appeal.
As a collector of both baseball and football cards himself, he recognizes the excitement around owning memorabilia tied to rising stars.
Still, he expressed surprise at how much people are willing to spend.
"People are spending thousands of dollars on eBay for a paper card with me on it," Yesavage said. "This is insane, but it's kind of cool."
Yesavage has yet to make an appearance for Toronto this season, as he continues to recover from a right shoulder injury.
He has been working through rehab assignments in the Blue Jays’ minor-league system, including stints in Dunedin and Buffalo.
After what may have been his final rehab outing on Tuesday, he could soon rejoin the Blue Jays roster, potentially returning during their upcoming six-game homestand against Cleveland and Boston. Boston.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays lefty Eric Lauer explains neck issues following loss to Los Angeles Angels
Toronto Blue Jays lefty Eric Lauer explains neck issues following loss to Los Angeles Angels