Blue Jays Release Pitcher So He Can Sign Overseas

November 27, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Easton Lucas walks off the mound during 2025 game.

The Toronto Blue Jays officially placed left-hander Easton Lucas on unconditional release waivers Tuesday, trimming the 40-man roster to 37 and paving the way for the 29-year-old to continue his career overseas. 

According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, Lucas is expected to sign in either Nippon Professional Baseball or the Korea Baseball Organization once he clears waivers.

Overseas Move Could Revive Career

Lucas flashed early promise with the Blue Jays this season, becoming a brief fan favorite when he delivered 10.1 scoreless innings across his first two starts, including an impressive outing at Fenway Park where he outdueled eventual Cy Young finalist Garrett Crochet. 

But the momentum faded quickly, as he allowed 18 runs over his final 14 innings and finished the year with a 6.66 ERA across six appearances. Despite the struggles at the major league level, Lucas has performed well in Triple-A, posting a 3.60 ERA with strong strikeout numbers over three seasons.

For a pitcher with big-league velocity and a broad arsenal (four-seamer, changeup, slider and cutter), heading to Japan or Korea has become a successful path for rebuilding value. 

Many pitchers have returned from NPB or KBO sharper and more consistent, giving Lucas reason to bet on a reboot abroad.

Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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