Toronto Blue Jays Officially Let Go of 12-Year MLB Veteran During Orioles Series
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Toronto Blue Jays Officially Let Go of 12-Year MLB Veteran During Orioles Series
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays takes the ball from pitcher Michael Lorenzen #55 taking him out of the game against the Athletics in the bottom of the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park on September 09, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Getty
TJ French·HEAVY
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Lorenzen #55 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the second inning at Sutter Health Park on September 09, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Getty
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Lorenzen #55 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the second inning at Sutter Health Park on September 09, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
On Monday, September 21, Michael Lorenzen decided to test his luck with free agency.
After being outrighted to the minors, Lorenzen declined the outright assignment to AAA and is now a free agent. Being an MLB veteran of 12 years, Lorenzen enjoys the luxury of being able to decide on his future.
It will be interesting to see if Lorenzen latches on with another team, especially considering he's had a poor season statistically.
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In just 11.2 IP with the Blue Jays, Lorenzen allowed 11 earned runs (four home runs).
For the entire 2026 season, he carries an ERA of 7.21 across 127.1 innings. He previously pitched with theColorado Rockies, which didn't help with his ERA.
The former All-Star pitcher has had issues with keeping the ball in the yard and issuing free passes this season.
As for Lorenzen's personal decision, it makes sense to test free agency instead of reporting to the minors as a 34-year-old pitcher.
Just a few seasons ago, Michael Lorenzen was an All-Star pitcher with theDetroit Tigers.
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He has played with six different MLB teams since the 2023 season began.
All in all, Michael Lorenzen has pitched for eight different MLB teams across 12 years. He holds a career pitching record of 57-68 (8.4 bWAR) with an ERA of 4.44 over 1123.2 total IP and 916 strikeouts.
Speaking back to when the Blue Jays decided to bring him in, according to his transactions tracker, Toronto signed him at the end of August after he was released by theColorado Rockies.
