Blue Jays agree to contract with RHP Erik Swanson, avoiding arbitration

Amid a major Toronto Blue Jays bullpen renovation, at least one player is set to return.

Toronto and Erik Swanson agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal on Friday, avoiding arbitration just ahead of the non-tender deadline, the team announced.

Swanson, 31, was a key reliever for the Blue Jays in 2023 after coming over from the Seattle Mariners in the Teoscar Hernandez trade, tossing 66.2 innings with a 2.97 ERA and striking out 75 opponents.

But last season did not go as well.

In spring training, Swanson’s daughter was hit by a car and spent two weeks in the hospital.

The pitcher then struggled out of the gates for the Blue Jays and was optioned to triple-A in May.

However, Swanson responded well when he was called back up to the big leagues in July and finished the season with a 5.03 ERA across 39.1 innings pitched.

Also Friday, the Blue Jays cut ties with longtime Canadian closer Jordan Romano and fellow reliever Dillon Tate, while Davidi reported that all other arbitration-eligible players were tendered contracts.