The Toronto Blue Jays have added to their potential pitching depth this offseason by signing free agent right-hander Adam Kloffenstein, according to MLB insider Ari Alexander. The minor league deal also includes an invite to spring training. Kloffenstein, 24, spent 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals organization, starting 17 games at Triple-A Memphis and pitching an inning in relief against the San Francisco Giants in July. While he missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury, he looks to rebound and provide versatility to Toronto’s pitching staff.
Source: RHP Adam Kloffenstein has agreed to terms on a minor league deal with the #BlueJays
Kloffenstein will get a Spring Training invite.
The Magnolia, TX native made his MLB debut in 2024. pic.twitter.com/FNhJOiHOrF
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) January 28, 2025
Blue Jays Sign Adam Kloffenstein
Kloffenstein, originally drafted by the Blue Jays in 2018, once was the seventh highest-rated prospect within their organization. His large frame (6’5″, 245 lbs) and plus-action, sinking fastball have long been projected to have major-league upside. Additionally, he possesses a dominant slider in his arsenal that works, at times, as a solid strikeout pitch.
The Cardinals acquired him, along with prospect Sem Robberse, for flamethrower Jordan Hicks at the 2023 trade deadline. At the time of the trade, he became the No. 23 prospect in the Cardinals organization. In the wake of the deadline for the Rule 5 draft, the Cardinals removed Kloffenstein from their 40-man roster in favor of top pitching prospects Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby.
Through 17 starts with Triple-A Memphis, Kloffenstein threw for a 4.74 ERA with 73 K in 89 1/3 IP.
While Kloffenstein’s career has temporarily derailed, his signing with the Blue Jays represents an opportunity for him to provide value as an eventual back-end starter or bullpen piece.
He has shown the ability to succeed at the minor-league level, posting a 3.16 ERA across 128 innings and two organizations in 2023.
Kloffenstein’s ability to contribute this season will depend upon the ultimate nature of Toronto’s pitching depth and his ability to overcome whatever injuries nagged him at the end of 2023. With injuries to starting pitchers increasing at an alarming rate in recent years, an arm like Kloffenstein’s could prove to be very valuable throughout the course of the season.
Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
