Former Toronto Blue Jays left-handed fireballer elects free agency

Cabrera was waived by the Blue Jays in 2024 and elected free agency. The hard throwing lefty was one of Toronto's most reliable relievers in 2024, posting a 3.59 ERA over 62.2 innings while racking up 50 strikeouts.

He was arbitration-eligible in the off-season and was projected to make $2.5 million.

Today 28-year-old Cabrera returns to the open market after signing an offseason minor league contract with New York.

The Mets called him up at the start of this month after losing A.J. Minter and Danny Young to injury. Cabrera was briefly the only southpaw in Carlos Mendoza's bullpen.

New York acquired José Castillo in a minor trade with Arizona and seemingly prefer him. They also brought up Brandon Waddell as a long man over the weekend.

Cabrera managed decent results during his few weeks on the MLB roster. He worked 7 2/3 frames of three-run ball, striking out seven while issuing three walks.

He averages around 96 MPH on his sinker and four-seam fastball, better than average velocity from the left side. That has resulted in decent swing-and-miss rates over his career, but it hasn't been enough to offset spotty command.

Cabrera had walked at least 10% of opposing hitters in every big league season before this year's small sample. He'd dished out five free passes in eight Triple-A innings before being called up.

That Cabrera went unclaimed on waivers suggests he'll likely need to take another minor league contract. He shouldn't have any issue finding interest as a Triple-A depth option.

Perhaps the Blue Jays can pick him up since Toronto has so many injuries in the bullpen. It would be a low risk high reward signing that just might be beneficial to both parties.

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