Trio of former Blue Jays now looking for new homes

The Kansas City Royals have released pitcher Ross Stripling and catcher Luke Maile. Both players had opt-out opportunities in their contracts as Article XX(B) free agents and requested their release if not added to the club's active roster.

An Article XX(B) player is someone with at least 6 years of Major League service time and no contract for the next season is eligible for free agency and may negotiate with any club

Stripling excelled in a variety of roles for the Blue Jays from 2020-2022. He left Canada for the Bay Area after the season, signing a deal with the Giants, before being traded to the Athletics. For those two teams, he compiled 5.68 ERA and 4.57 FIP in 174 1/3 innings of work.

As for Maile, a Blue Jays fan favourite known as The Mailman, he posted decent spring numbers after signing a minor league contract with the Royals last month. However with the Royals set at catcher with Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin, there wasn't much room available for Maile.

The third former Blue Jay to meet this fate was Brandon Drury, who was granted his release by the White Sox.

Although he was coming off a season in which he hit .169, Drury had a phenomenal spring for the south siders, once in which he hit 410/.439/.821. However, he suffered a fractured thumb late in camp which derailed his chances.

All three will now be free to negotiate with any team.