DUNEDIN, Fla. – Veteran right-handed pitcher Phillippe Aumont, at 37 years old, is attempting a remarkable return to professional baseball, signing a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The move, first reported by multiple sources including Forbes and Bluebird Banter, marks Aumont’s first foray back into affiliated baseball since 2016 and offers a potential path back to the major leagues after an eleven-year absence.
Aumont has been assigned to the Buffalo Bisons, the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, according to MLB.com. This isn’t the first time the Blue Jays have shown interest in the Canadian native. In July 2015, following a dominant performance at the Pan American Games where he threw 13 scoreless innings to lead Team Canada to a gold medal, Aumont signed a minor league deal with Toronto. However, his return was short-lived, and he ultimately found himself navigating a complex path that included independent league play and even a stint as a farmer.
The journey for Aumont has been anything but conventional. Originally drafted 11th overall by the Seattle Mariners in 2007, he was considered a highly touted prospect. He eventually reached the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012, appearing in 46 games over four seasons and compiling a 1-6 record with a 6.80 ERA. His final major league appearance came on June 19, 2015, with the Phillies.
Following his departure from the Phillies, Aumont’s career took several unexpected turns. He briefly considered retirement, even returning to his hometown of Gatineau, Quebec, to pursue a life outside of baseball. He spent a season playing for the Ottawa Champions in the independent Canadian-American League, and even contemplated withdrawing from the 2015 Pan American Games before being persuaded to participate by Greg Hamilton. He also had a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox organization in 2016.
Despite the setbacks, Aumont never fully abandoned his baseball aspirations. He continued to train and refine his skills, culminating in a strong performance at the 2019 Premier12 Tournament with Team Canada, where he threw eight shutout innings against Cuba, striking out nine. This performance caught the attention of the Blue Jays, who signed him to a minor league contract in December 2019, though the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading him to return to farming.
Aumont’s recent resurgence is particularly noteworthy. During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he showcased a fastball reaching speeds of 92 mph, according to MLB.com, demonstrating that he still possesses the raw talent that made him a highly regarded prospect years ago. This performance ultimately led to his latest opportunity with the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays’ interest in Aumont isn’t entirely new. Back in 2009, when the team traded Roy Halladay to the Phillies, there was discussion about potentially acquiring Aumont and fellow Canadian Tyson Gillies instead. While that trade never materialized, the Blue Jays are now giving Aumont another chance to prove himself.
While Aumont’s signing is considered a low-risk move for the Blue Jays, providing potential depth to their pitching staff, his story is one of perseverance and determination. If he can successfully navigate the minor league system and earn a call-up to the major leagues, it would mark a remarkable comeback for a player who once seemed destined for a much different career path. His journey highlights the unpredictable nature of professional baseball and the enduring power of pursuing one’s dreams, even after facing numerous obstacles.
Aumont’s potential return to the majors, eleven years after his last appearance, would be a compelling narrative. The Blue Jays, with several open spots in their bullpen, could provide the platform for Aumont to showcase his abilities and potentially contribute to their success. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase a passion and that even after detours and setbacks, a return to the pinnacle of the sport is possible.
