Tyler Jay
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Tyler Ryan Jay (born April 19, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. Jay played college baseball at the University of Illinois and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Mets.

Key Information

Career

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Amateur career

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Jay attended Lemont High School in Lemont, Illinois. He played both baseball and football at Lemont. Jay committed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to play college baseball for the Fighting Illini. As a freshman, he appeared in 18 games, pitching to a 1–3 win–loss record with a 3.10 earned run average (ERA) and 20 strikeouts. As a sophomore in 2014, he took over as the closer and had 10 saves, a 1.94 ERA and 47 strikeouts.[1][2] After the season, Jay played for the United States collegiate national team during the summer,[3] and also played collegiate summer baseball for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[4][5] As a junior in 2015, he had a 1.08 ERA, 76 strikeouts and 14 saves.

Minnesota Twins

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Jay with the Fort Myers Miracle

Jay was considered one of the top prospects for the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.[6][7][8] The Minnesota Twins selected him with the sixth overall pick.[9] He officially signed with the Twins on June 17 and was assigned to the Fort Myers Miracle where he posted a 3.93 ERA in 18+1⁄3 innings pitched. The Twins transitioned Jay into a starting pitcher with Fort Myers in 2016,[10] where he posted a 5–5 record with a 2.84 ERA in 13 starts before being promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts where he pitched to a 5.79 ERA in five games (two starts). He pitched only 11+2⁄3 innings in 2017 due to injury. Jay returned in 2018 to pitch for the Chattanooga Lookouts, compiling a 4–5 record with a 4.22 ERA in 38 games. Jay would begin the 2019 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts where he posted a 1–2 record with a 4.82 ERA in 17 appearances.[11] In 2019, he began struggling to swallow as a result of eosinophilic esophagitis and started to lose weight, which correlated with a decline in his on-field performance.[12]

Cincinnati Reds

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On June 10, 2019, Jay was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations.[13] Jay would spend the rest of the 2019 season between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Arizona League Reds where he posted a 0–0 record with a 3.03 ERA in 18 appearances and a 9.00 ERA in two appearances respectively.[14] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] On June 1, 2020, Jay was released by the Reds.[16]

Joliet Slammers

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By 2022, Jay's health problems which had correlated with his decline in performance were attributed to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. After spending 2021 out of baseball and focusing on his health, Jay asked Joliet Slammers manager Daniel Schlereth for a tryout[12] and signed with the Frontier League team on June 7, 2022.[17] In 22 appearances for Joliet, he registered a 1.64 ERA with 24 strikeouts and eight saves in 22 innings of work. In 2023, Jay made 20 appearances (7 starts) for the Slammers, logging a 4–3 record and 4.26 ERA with 64 strikeouts and seven saves in 57 innings pitched.[18]

New York Mets

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On August 24, 2023, Jay's contract was purchased by the New York Mets organization.[19] He spent the remainder of the year with the Triple–A Syracuse Mets, posting a 6.00 ERA with 8 strikeouts across 6 appearances.[20]

Jay began the 2024 season back in Syracuse, logging a scoreless appearance for the affiliate to start the year. On April 10, 2024, the Mets selected Jay's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.[21] He made his MLB debut the next day, pitching two innings against the Atlanta Braves.[22][23] In his second appearance, he recorded two scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. However, on April 17, Jay was designated for assignment after Michael Tonkin was claimed off waivers.[24] He was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse two days later after going unclaimed off waivers.[25] On June 30, the Mets purchased Jay's contract, adding him back to the major league roster.[26] However, on July 2, he was optioned back to Triple–A having made just one appearance.[27] Jay was designated for assignment a second time on July 17.[28]

Milwaukee Brewers

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On July 21, 2024, Jay was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for TJ Shook.[29] He made 2 scoreless appearances for Milwaukee, logging 3 strikeouts across 3 innings of work. Jay was designated for assignment by the Brewers following the acquisition of Grant Anderson on January 2, 2025.[30]

On January 9, 2025, Jay was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.[31] He was designated for assignment by the Mariners on January 21.[32] Jay elected free agency in lieu of an outright assignment to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on January 28.[33] On February 3, Jay re-signed with the Brewers organization on a minor league contract.[34] He made 28 appearances for Triple-A Nashville, posting a 2-1 record and 3.33 ERA with 21 strikeouts and two saves over 27 innings of work. Jay was released by the Brewers organization on July 17.[35]

References

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Tyler Jay

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Tyler Ryan Jay (born April 19, 1994) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He last played in the Milwaukee Brewers' minor league system before being released on July 16, 2025, and is currently a free agent.[1] Drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Jay became the highest draft pick in Illinois Fighting Illini baseball history.[1][2] At the University of Illinois, Jay excelled as a closer, posting a 1.08 ERA with 76 strikeouts over 66.2 innings in his junior year of 2015, earning First-Team All-American honors from multiple organizations including Baseball America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.[2] He also represented the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team that summer, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 16.2 innings.[3] Following his standout college career, Jay transitioned to professional baseball, spending his initial years in the Twins' farm system across levels from rookie ball to Double-A, where he developed as a left-handed reliever known for his fastball-slider combination.[4] Jay's professional journey included a 2019 trade to the Cincinnati Reds organization, where he pitched briefly at rookie and Double-A levels, before being released and signing with the New York Mets in 2023.[4] After appearing in independent ball with the Joliet Slammers that year (4-3, 4.26 ERA in 57 innings), he earned a major league call-up with the Mets in April 2024, making his MLB debut on April 11.[5][1] He appeared in three games for New York before being designated for assignment and claimed by the Brewers, where he pitched two more MLB outings that season (overall 2024: 0-0, 4.70 ERA in 7.2 innings).[6] In 2025, after a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners organization, Jay signed a minor league contract with Milwaukee on February 3 and was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, though he spent time on the injured list in July. He was released by the Brewers on July 16, 2025, and has not signed with another organization as of November 2025.[5][3]

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Tyler Jay was born on April 19, 1994, in Lemont, Illinois, a suburb southwest of Chicago.[7] He grew up in a large family, with parents Brian Jay and Lynn Kwasigroch, and six siblings: sisters Rylie and Gabby (half-sister), brother Peyton, step-brothers Addison and Teddy, and step-sister Chloe.[2] His athletic inclinations were influenced by family members, including cousins Andrew Jay and Nicholas Leffler, who played football at Monmouth College from 2007 to 2010, and uncle Rick Jay, who played football at the University of South Dakota from 1978 to 1980.[2] Jay's introduction to baseball came early through his father's guidance in the close-knit Lemont community, where youth sports were prominent. At age seven, his father, Brian Jay, taught him the basic pitching windup, a technique Jay has largely retained throughout his career.[8] Brian continued to coach Tyler's travel baseball team starting when Jay was eight years old, fostering his initial passion for the sport until just before eighth grade.[8] Before entering high school, Jay participated in youth baseball through the Chicago Suburban Baseball League, playing for the Lombard Orioles during summers.[2] A notable early achievement came in seventh grade when he pitched a perfect game, though he later reflected on a poor batting performance in the same outing.[8] These experiences in Lemont's local leagues laid the foundation for his development as a pitcher.

High school career

Tyler Jay attended Lemont High School in Lemont, Illinois, where he competed in both baseball and football, earning three varsity letters in baseball from 2010 to 2012.[9] As a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, he contributed to the team's success, helping the Lemont Indians compile a 70-26 record over his three seasons, including three South Suburban Conference-Blue Division titles and two Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regional championships in 2010 and 2011.[9] Over his varsity career, Jay posted a 16-6 pitching record with two saves, a 2.28 earned run average (ERA), and 182 strikeouts in 119.2 innings pitched, while also excelling offensively with a .430 batting average and 52 runs batted in (RBIs).[10] His senior year in 2012 was particularly standout, as he went 7-3 with a 1.24 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 45 innings, leading the team to a 21-8 record and another conference title; at the plate, he hit .512 with 32 RBIs, 10 doubles, three triples, and one home run.[10] For his performance, Jay earned 2012 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSSBCA) Class 3A All-State honors.[9] Jay's high school prowess drew early scouting attention, establishing him as a top left-handed pitching prospect in Illinois; he was ranked as the No. 11 left-handed pitcher in the state and No. 63 overall by Perfect Game USA, earning a "High Follow" national designation.[11] Scouts noted his mid-to-upper-80s fastball velocity, effective curveball, and command, positioning him as the ace of Lemont's staff after developing behind teammate Josh Ferry.[12]

College career

Tyler Jay enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012 and began his collegiate baseball career with the Fighting Illini in 2013, primarily serving as a relief pitcher during his three seasons from 2013 to 2015.[2] As a freshman in 2013, Jay appeared in 18 games without a start, posting a 1-3 record with a 3.10 ERA over 20.1 innings pitched, allowing 11 hits and 10 walks while striking out 20 batters.[13] In his sophomore year of 2014, he improved significantly, going 4-1 with a 1.94 ERA in 23 relief appearances, recording 10 saves in 41.2 innings, during which he struck out 47 and walked 13.[2] His junior season in 2015 was his most dominant, as he earned a 5-2 record with a 1.08 ERA across 30 games (two starts), setting a school record with 14 saves in 66.2 innings, striking out 76 batters against just seven walks and limiting opponents to a .177 batting average.[14] Over his career, Jay compiled a 10-6 record with a 1.68 ERA—the lowest in Illinois history—in 71 appearances (two starts), amassing 24 saves, 143 strikeouts, and only 30 walks in 128.2 innings pitched.[13] Jay's performance earned him several accolades, including Second-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-Mideast Region honors in 2014.[2] In 2015, he was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, First-Team All-American by five publications, NCBWA District V Player of the Year, and a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award; he also excelled with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 16.2 innings.[2][15] Following the 2015 season, Jay was selected by the Minnesota Twins as the sixth overall pick in the MLB Draft—the highest draft position in University of Illinois history—and signed with the organization shortly thereafter.[14]
SeasonW-LERAG (GS)SVIPHERBBSO
20131-33.1018 (0)020.11171020
20144-11.9423 (0)1041.22891347
20155-21.0830 (2)1466.2408776
Career10-61.6871 (2)24128.2792430143

Professional career

Minnesota Twins

Jay signed with the Minnesota Twins on June 17, 2015, as the sixth overall pick in the MLB Draft, receiving a signing bonus of $3,889,500, which matched the full slot value for his selection.[16][17] He was immediately assigned to the High-A Fort Myers Miracle, where he made his professional debut as a reliever, appearing in 19 games with a 0-1 record, 3.93 ERA, and 18.1 innings pitched that season.[4][5] In 2016, Jay transitioned to a starting role primarily with Fort Myers, posting a 5-5 record and 2.84 ERA over 69.2 innings in 15 starts, before a late promotion to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, where he made four relief appearances with a 5.79 ERA in 14 innings.[4] His development continued in 2017 with brief stints across levels, including six innings of relief at Fort Myers (1.50 ERA) and limited outings at Chattanooga and the rookie-level Twins, totaling just 11.2 innings for the year due to injuries.[4] By 2018, Jay settled into a full-time relief role at Chattanooga, logging 59.2 innings in 38 appearances with a 4-5 record and 4.22 ERA.[4][5] Jay's performance in 2019 was hampered by health issues; he began the season with Chattanooga, appearing in 20 games with a 4.82 ERA over 28 innings before his diagnosis. In May 2019, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a rare allergic condition causing inflammation in the esophagus that made eating difficult, led to significant weight loss, and hindered his ability to maintain strength and recover effectively.[18][19][20] The condition disrupted his routine and contributed to inconsistent outings, limiting his overall development within the organization. On June 10, 2019, the Twins traded Jay to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.[21][5]

Cincinnati Reds

On June 10, 2019, the Cincinnati Reds acquired left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations after the Twins had designated him for assignment.[1] Shortly thereafter, on June 19, 2019, Jay was assigned to the Reds' Double-A affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts, of the Southern League, where he transitioned into a relief role.[5] During the remainder of the 2019 season, Jay made 18 relief appearances with Chattanooga, compiling a 3.03 ERA over 32.2 innings pitched while allowing 34 hits and 12 walks against 33 strikeouts.[4] He also appeared in two games for the rookie-level Arizona League Reds, where he struggled with a 9.00 ERA in 2.0 innings, though the small sample reflected instructional league play.[4] Following the season, on November 19, 2019, Jay was promoted to the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats.[5] In 2020, the minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving Jay without competitive games but on the Louisville roster during spring training.[22] Amid organizational roster adjustments in the shortened season context, the Bats released Jay on June 1, 2020.[5]

Joliet Slammers

After being released by the Cincinnati Reds organization following the 2020 season and spending 2021 away from professional baseball, Tyler Jay signed with the Joliet Slammers of the independent Frontier League in June 2022.[23][18] In 2022, Jay quickly reestablished himself as a reliable reliever for the Slammers, compiling a 2–1 record with a 1.64 ERA across 22 appearances, during which he allowed just 16 hits and three walks while striking out 24 batters in 22 innings pitched.[13] His effective command and ability to limit baserunners helped stabilize the Slammers' bullpen during a competitive season that saw the team finish with a 49–47 record, tied for second place in the West Division.[24][25] Jay returned to the Slammers in 2023, expanding his role to include starting assignments and closing duties, where he recorded a 4–3 mark with a 4.26 ERA in 20 appearances (seven starts), notching seven saves and fanning 64 batters over 57 innings.[13] Despite the team's overall 46–50 finish, fifth in the league standings, Jay's versatility and strikeout prowess drew interest from affiliated baseball, culminating in the New York Mets purchasing his contract from Joliet on August 25, 2023.[26][27]

New York Mets

On August 29, 2023, the New York Mets signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay to a minor league contract, purchasing his rights from the independent Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League following his strong performance there.[1] He was immediately assigned to the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets, where he made six relief appearances to close out the 2023 season, allowing just one earned run over 6 innings.[4] Jay entered the 2024 spring training as a non-roster invitee, competing for a spot in the bullpen but ultimately beginning the year in Triple-A Syracuse after the Mets broke camp.[18] Jay's major league journey with the Mets began on April 10, 2024, when the team selected his contract from Syracuse and added him to the 40-man roster to bolster their bullpen amid early-season injuries. The next day, April 11, he made his long-awaited MLB debut against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, pitching 2.0 innings in relief during a 6-4 win and allowing 5 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout. In his initial stint, Jay appeared in two games for New York, logging 4.0 innings with a 2.25 ERA, 1 strikeout, and 1 walk, though command issues contributed to his designation for assignment on April 17 to clear roster space.[6] He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse, where he excelled in relief with a 2.61 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 41.1 innings across 23 outings.[5] The Mets recalled Jay on June 30, 2024, for a brief second stint amid ongoing bullpen needs, during which he made one appearance on July 1, pitching 0.2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. However, he was designated for assignment again on July 17 after the team claimed another reliever off waivers, marking the second such move in 2024 as New York shuffled its roster during a competitive season.[28] Jay appeared in 3 games for the Mets in 2024 (4.2 IP, 4 ER, 7.71 ERA).[6]

Milwaukee Brewers

On July 21, 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league right-hander TJ Shook, shortly after the Mets had designated him for assignment.[29][30] Upon joining the Brewers, Jay was immediately optioned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds but was recalled later that month.[30] Jay made his first appearances with the Brewers in the major leagues during the 2024 season, pitching in two relief outings for a total of 3.0 innings.[6] In those games, he allowed two hits and three walks while striking out three batters, posting a 0.00 ERA and contributing to scoreless efforts in both outings.[6] These performances provided brief depth to Milwaukee's bullpen amid their National League Central contention.[6] After the 2024 season, Jay remained in the Brewers organization until designated for assignment on January 2, 2025. He was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners on January 9, released by them on January 28, and elected free agency on January 29 before signing a minor league contract with the Brewers on February 3, 2025, including an invitation to spring training.[31][32][33] He spent the 2025 season in the Brewers' minor league system, primarily with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. Activated from the injured list on June 8, 2025, Jay appeared in 28 relief games for Nashville, compiling a 2–1 record with a 3.33 ERA over 27.0 innings pitched.[5] He recorded 21 strikeouts against 14 walks, along with two saves, demonstrating solid control as a left-handed reliever in the International League.[4] However, Jay was placed on the 7-day injured list retroactive to July 6, 2025, due to an undisclosed injury.[5] The Brewers released Jay on July 17, 2025, ending his tenure with the organization.[34]

Seattle Mariners

On January 9, 2025, the Seattle Mariners claimed left-handed reliever Tyler Jay off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, who had designated him for assignment just days earlier.[32][35] The acquisition added depth to the Mariners' bullpen competition ahead of the 2025 season, positioning Jay as a potential left-handed option based on his prior major league experience.[36] Jay's tenure with Seattle proved brief, with no on-field appearances in spring training or minor league games, as the move occurred in the offseason.[1] On January 21, 2025, the Mariners designated him for assignment to acquire right-hander Will Klein from the Oakland Athletics.[37] Following the designation, Jay was released by the team on January 28, 2025, prompting him to elect free agency the next day rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.[33][5] As of November 2025, Jay remains an unsigned free agent.[6]

References

  1. Tyler Jay Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Tyler Jay - 2015 - Baseball - University of Illinois Athletics
  3. Tyler Jay Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America
  4. Tyler Jay - Baseball-Reference.com
  5. Tyler Jay Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  6. Tyler Jay Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  7. Tyler Jay Biography - ESPN
  8. Winding up a winner
  9. Athletic Hall of Fame: Tyler Jay '12 - Lemont High School
  10. Lemont's Tyler Jay Selected Sixth Overall in MLB Draft - Patch
  11. Tyler Jay Class of 2012 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA
  12. Tyler Jay - Prep Baseball Report
  13. Tyler Jay - Minor League, Independent, College Baseball Statistics
  14. Jay Selected No. 6 Overall by Minnesota Twins in 2015 MLB Draft
  15. Tyler Jay - 2015 Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist - USA Baseball
  16. Twins announce deal with No. 6 pick Jay | MLB.com
  17. Twins sign top draft pick Tyler Jay, assign him to Class A Ft. Myers
  18. 'What a great story': How Tyler Jay resurrected his baseball career
  19. A Decade Later: The Twins Had One of MLB's Biggest Draft Misses
  20. 15 biggest draft busts in Twins history
  21. Reds acquire former 1st rounder Tyler Jay from the Twins
  22. Tyler Jay Player Card | Baseball Prospectus
  23. The Joliet Slammers sign Turner Larkins, Logan Schmitt, and former ...
  24. 2022 Joliet Slammers minor league baseball Statistics on StatsCrew ...
  25. 2022 Frontier League Standings
  26. 2023 Joliet Slammers - Statistics and Roster - The Baseball Cube
  27. Mets calling up reliever Tyler Jay - SNY
  28. Mets Claim Alex Young, Designate Tyler Jay - MLB Trade Rumors
  29. Tyler Jay - New York Mets Pitcher | StatMuse
  30. Brewers Acquire Tyler Jay From Mets - MLB Trade Rumors
  31. Transactions | Milwaukee Brewers - MLB.com
  32. Brewers, Tyler Jay Agree To Minor League Deal - MLB Trade Rumors
  33. Minor League Transactions: June 20–July 15, 2025
  34. Mariners Claim Tyler Jay - MLB Trade Rumors
  35. Seattle Mariners add former first-round draft pick on waiver claim
  36. Mariners Claim LHP Tyler Jay off Waivers from Milwaukee
  37. The Mariners have acquired right-handed pitcher Will Klein from the ...
  38. Tyler Jay | MLB Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
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