Former pitcher Phillippe Aumont, who left baseball in 2020 to become a farmer, is back on the mound. The 37-year-old right-hander has signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays, according to the team's transactions log. This marks a remarkable comeback for Aumont, who last pitched in the majors 11 years ago. But here's where it gets interesting: Aumont is also suiting up for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, his fourth appearance in the tournament. After the pandemic wiped out the minor league season, Aumont decided to 'go back to nature', as he put it, to reconnect with the natural world and learn about farming. However, he briefly returned to baseball during the 2023 WBC, reaching 92 mph with his fastball. Despite his desire to stay in farming, Aumont's talent and experience have brought him back to the sport. With multiple injuries on the Blue Jays' pitching staff, Aumont's return provides much-needed depth. Starter Bowden Francis will miss the entire 2026 season due to surgery, and fellow right-hander Shane Bieber is expected to start the season on the sidelines with forearm fatigue. Aumont's journey from farmer to pitcher is a testament to the power of second chances and the enduring spirit of athletes.
