Rays acquire Eisert from Blue Jays

Eisert takes a spot on the Rays 40-man roster

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays designated Eisert for assignment on January 20th in order to make space for incoming free agent Anthony Santander; Eisert had just turned 27-years old the day prior. Originally selected by Toronto in the 18th round of the 2019 draft, Eisert received little fanfare as he worked his way through the Blue Jays’ system. The sidewinding southpaw made it to Triple-A in just his second professional season in 2022 (COVID delayed his debut a year); however, Eisert spent the entirety of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns in Triple-A.

This past June, the Blue Jays finally gave Eisert a chance in the big leagues. On June 17th, he made his big league debut against the Boston Red Sox, delivering two scoreless innings. Eisert would make three appearances overall for Toronto (one more in June and then again at the end of September), allowing 3 runs over five hits, walking four and striking out two over 6 2⁄3 innings pitched. Meanwhile, while in Triple-A, Eisert compiled a 3.86 ERA | 4.09 FIP with a 29.1 K% and 9.3 BB% over 53 2⁄3 innings pitched.

Eisert joins a crowded Rays bullpen picture, but he does take a place on the 40-man roster and still has options.