The Toronto Blue Jays snuck the signing of Brendan Cellucci under everyone’s collective noses.
Despite adding pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, Jorge Alcala, Chase Lee, Nic Enright, and Josh Winckowski, Toronto hasn’t stopped adding arms to its organizational depth. Most recently, a 21-year-old pitcher whose fastball reaches 95 MPH was inked to a steal of a deal.
However, the Blue Jays have signed Cellucci at a curious time, when rumors of Toronto’s interest in Framber Valdez have surfaced once again. Interestingly enough, Cellucci could be the lefty reliever that they have been searching for.
Toronto Blue Jays Sign Former Boston Red Sox Reliever Brandon Cellucci
Amidst the flurry of prospect signings due to the 2026 International Free Agency opening up, Toronto snuck in the signing of Cellucci. The 27-year-old southpaw stands 6-foot-4, 211 lbs.
According to the Blue Jays’ transaction log, they signed him on January 19th, 2026, two days before they announced the majority of their IFA signings on social media.
Up until July 2025, Cellucci was a member of the Boston Red Sox organization.
Cellucci didn’t have the most flashy 2025 season. Last year, he recorded one save, one hold, and 35 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings. In 18 games played in AA and AAA leagues, he posted a 7.28 ERA.
However, things turned around for him when he went to the Atlantic League.
Cellucci was utilized in a high-leverage role for the York Revolution. He pitched 18 1/3 innings in 18 games. In those games, he recorded nine saves and 32 strikeouts to go along with a 1.96 ERA. Additionally, he recorded a 0.82 WHIP with a .133 batting average against.
The only pitcher with more saves than Cellucci was closer Cam Robinson, with 16. In 42 games, Robinson recorded 49 strikeouts with a 0.61 ERA in 44 innings.
While this league does not track holds, it’s clear that Cellucci likely recorded a high volume of them in his high-leverage role. He could be an option for the Blue Jays’ bullpen during the season. However, his recent role is not the only reason to get excited about this signing.
Brendan Cellucci, the Strikeout Artist?
The top reason to be excited about the Blue Jays signing Cellucci is simple: the man knows how to strike out batters.
Across his minor league career, he boasts a 12.16 K/9 rate. In 179 games, Cellucci has recorded 350 strikeouts in 259 innings.
That’s a lot of strikeouts.
The Risk in Adding Cellucci
However, Cellucci’s Achilles heel has always been his control. In addition to a high K/9 rate, he also has a high walk rate. In 2025, he recorded 23 walks in his 18 minor league appearances.
Even earlier in his career, this has been an issue. For Cellucci, his fastball is hot-and-cold, according to one scouting report.
“91-93 mph four-seamer. Tops out at 95 mph,” the report states. “Ball jumps on hitters. Misses bats. Command and control are both well below-average and hold him back. Will have some outings where he pounds the zone and others where he cannot find it all.”
The report also states that he throws a sweeper and slider. It also says that he can struggle to hit the strike zone with these pitches.
While the strikeouts are a great sign, the control issues make this a risky signing for the Blue Jays.
It’s clear he’s had some struggles in his career; however, his recent success with the York Revolution should instill enough confidence in the young arm that the Blue Jays can work with.
Framber Valdez Still Linked to the Blue Jays
As for rumors, Toronto has been linked to Valdez (yet again). According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays have been poking around the available free agent southpaw.
“There are still a number of teams looking for starting pitching,” Rosenthal said on the latest episode of Fair Territory on January 22nd. “I will list the Orioles first among those teams. They’ve been active in the free agent and trade markets.”
“But you also have the Blue Jays exploring some things still.”
This is a particularly interesting thing for Rosenthal to say. The Blue Jays already have a crowded rotation, so what gives?
Jose Berrios could be a trade chip the organization utilizes to acquire a position player. However, between Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Cease, Ponce, and Berrios, they already have six battling for a rotation spot. Adding Valdez gives them another body to worry about, and potentially move out.
Of course, the Blue Jays could start Yesavage in AAA to begin the season. But there has been concern about Bieber’s health, so it’s possible there could be a setback that keeps him from being ready for opening night.
One way or another, it should be encouraging to see the Blue Jays exploring every avenue they can to improve their team. With pitching being such a large part of every organization, it only makes sense to keep making moves in this area.
Cellucci has an opportunity to get better under the guidance of the organization’s pitching coaches. Hopefully, he seizes the opportunity and makes the most of it. And with Spring Training rapidly approaching, hopefully the Valdez rumors make way for an actual signing.
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