The Toronto Blue Jays have made a move to bolster their bullpen, announcing today that they have claimed right-hander Jose Cuas off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Cuas, who turned 30 this week, made his Major League debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and was traded to the Cubs in a deal for outfielder Nelson Velazquez last summer.

Cuas had shown promise as a middle reliever with the Royals, posting a 4.08 ERA (106 ERA+) and a 4.41 FIP in 79 1/3 innings of work over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, his performance took a downturn upon his arrival in Chicago. While he managed a decent 3.04 ERA in 27 appearances for the Cubs last season, his peripherals raised concerns. His strikeout rate dropped from 27.1% to 19%, while his walk rate increased to 14%.

In 2024, Cuas struggled even more, with a plummeting groundball rate and opposing hitters making solid contact off his pitches. His groundball rate dropped to just 31%, while he surrendered a high 14.3% barrel rate and a 45.2% Hard Hit rate. Despite a better strikeout rate of 21.5%, Cuas gave up 12 runs (11 earned) in 13 1/3 innings, resulting in an alarming 7.43 ERA and a 5.99 FIP.

Despite his struggles, the Blue Jays have seen potential in Cuas and are willing to take a chance on his sinker/slider combo, which has shown the ability to strike out a quarter of the batters faced while eliciting grounders on around half of his batted balls. The Blue Jays' bullpen, currently sporting a league-worst 4.83 FIP, could certainly benefit from the addition of a pitcher with Cuas's potential.

Cuas provides the Blue Jays with a valuable optionable relief arm on a minimum salary. He can be shuttled between Triple-A and the majors as needed, offering flexibility to the bullpen. If given an opportunity, Cuas would likely join the middle relief mix alongside Zach Pop and Genesis Cabrera.

The Blue Jays' decision to claim Cuas off waivers demonstrates their commitment to improving their bullpen and addressing their pitching woes. Time will tell if Cuas can regain his form and become a reliable asset for Toronto in the coming seasons.