The Toronto Blue Jays have released Erik Swanson after he cleared waivers, following a disappointing season where he accumulated a 15.19 ERA in just six appearances. Swanson, who faced nerve and forearm issues earlier this year, had struggled to find his form even after returning from injury. Acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a trade for slugger Teoscar Hernandez, Swanson was once a dependable reliever, posting a stellar 1.68 ERA in 2022. His performance in 2023, however, saw a significant regression, prompting the team's decision to part ways with the 31-year-old.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider reflected on the tough conversation it was to inform Swanson of the decision, noting his contributions over the past years. While Swanson began his career with the Mariners in 2019 and showcased his potential in 2022, his time in Toronto ended under unfortunate circumstances as injuries took a toll on his performance.