The Toronto Blue Jays have been struggling with injuries across the roster this season, shuffling the big-league roster and the lower levels of the organization as a result.
Recently, that meant bringing in a standout college talent who seemed poised to make a difference for the organization down the line. But that potential went unrealized and now the Atlanta Braves have stepped in to take advantage.
Atlanta Braves Add Accomplished 2-Way Player After Short Toronto Blue Jays Stint Ends In Cut
Less than two months after signing with the Blue Jays organization, 24-year-old outfielder Matt Scannell was released, leaving him searching for another opportunity to continue his development.
That opportunity has now arrived with the National League contender Braves, according to Scannell’s official transactions log.
Although Scannell’s time in the Blue Jays organization proved brief, his collegiate resume made him an intriguing addition at the time as he demonstrated some truly unique two-way abilities as both a position player and pitcher.
“Scannell appeared in 129 games for the Tigers across three seasons, producing a .279/.397/.496 slash line with 25 home runs, 97 RBI and 85 walks,” Princeton Athletics noted when he joined Toronto’s organization. “He also saw action in 20 games on the mound, striking out 32 in 33 2/3 innings. Scannell finished with two Second-Team All-Ivy honors and was named to the Ivy All-Tournament Team in 2024. In his one campaign with Wake Forest in 2025, the former Tiger played in 59 games, hitting .300 with a .435 on-base percentage and .543 slugging percentage, adding 12 home runs and 49 RBI as the Demon Deacons reached the Knoxville Regional Final.”
That combination of offensive production, versatility and success with two respected college programs helped earn Scannell his opportunity with the Blue Jays. And it likely played into the Braves’ interest in scooping him up shortly after he was released.
Toronto Blue Jays Former Outfielder Sends Message Shortly Before Cut, Atlanta Braves Move
Scannell previously admitted that Toronto wasn’t necessarily the organization he expected would sign him.
“I knew they had some interest,” Scannell told Blue Jays Nation last year. “If you asked me who I thought I’d end up with, they probably wouldn’t have been the team. I wouldn’t say it was out of the blue, but I also wouldn’t say that I had a hunch that I would end up in the org.”
While his stay with Toronto ultimately lasted only a short time, it wasn’t long before another organization decided to take a chance on the former Ivy League standout.
The Braves have built one of baseball’s deepest player development systems in recent years, and Scannell now gets another opportunity to prove he belongs in affiliated baseball. For Atlanta, the move represents a low-risk addition with upside. For Scannell, it offers a fresh start only weeks after the Blue Jays cut ties with one of their newest prospects.
