Blue Jays sign LHP Josh Fleming

Sentiment Analysis

The Josh Fleming signing barely registered a blip on the baseball radar, drawing lukewarm reactions that reflect the minimal expectations surrounding this depth move. Five outlets covered the deal primarily as spring training filler, with most emphasizing Fleming's "opportunity" rather than any realistic path to meaningful contributions—classic damning-with-faint-praise coverage that signals a replacement-level addition. Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, viewing it as the definition of a low-risk flyer that's only worthwhile if Fleming somehow transforms into a completely different pitcher than his track record suggests. This fits Toronto's broader strategy of casting a wide net for bullpen depth after a disappointing 2024 season, though Fleming represents the bottom tier of those lottery tickets rather than a legitimate solution to their relief pitching concerns. The move earns a C- CVI because while there's theoretically nothing wrong with taking a cheap swing on a former big leaguer, Fleming's limited upside and crowded competition for roster spots make this look more like organizational depth than a meaningful addition—the kind of signing that gets forgotten by Opening Day unless something dramatic changes in camp.