Joe Mantiply Bio
Joseph Newman Mantiply, born on March 1, 1991, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Over the course of his career, he has pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks, working primarily as a left-handed reliever. Mantiply was originally selected by the Tigers in the 27th round of the 2013 MLB draft and reached the major leagues three years later. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2022, representing the National League with the Diamondbacks.
Early Life and Background
Mantiply attended Tunstall High School in Dry Fork, Virginia, where he developed into a draft-eligible prospect. The New York Mets selected him in the 48th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign with the organization. Instead, he chose to continue his baseball career at the college level.
Following high school, Mantiply enrolled at Virginia Tech to play college baseball for the Virginia Tech Hokies. During his time as a Hokie, he gained valuable summer experience in two respected collegiate leagues. In 2010, he played summer baseball with the Bethesda Big Train of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, and in 2011, he joined the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League. These summer assignments helped sharpen his skills against high-level amateur competition.
Path to Baseball
After his junior season at Virginia Tech, Mantiply was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 28th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He again passed on signing, opting to return to Virginia Tech for his senior year to refine his craft. That decision allowed him to enter the 2013 draft with additional polish on his pitching repertoire.
Following his senior season, Mantiply was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 27th round, 816th overall, of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the organization and began his professional career that same year, making his debut with the Connecticut Tigers. The Tigers initially developed him as a starting pitcher before transitioning him into a relief role the following season, a move that would shape the rest of his career path through the minors.
Joe Mantiply Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Mantiply opened his professional career as a starter in the Tigers system, working with the Connecticut Tigers in 2013. In 2014, the organization moved him to the bullpen, and he split the year between the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. The transition to relief work proved successful, as he began showing the kind of consistency against left-handed hitters that would become a hallmark of his game.
He continued climbing the minor league ladder through 2015, building his resume as a dependable left-handed reliever. His progression through the Tigers farm system set the stage for his first taste of the major leagues the following season.
Detroit Tigers Debut (2016)
Mantiply reached the majors when the Tigers called him up, and he made his major league debut on September 3, 2016. The appearance marked the realization of a long road that began as a 27th-round selection, validating his decision to return to college for his senior season. Although his time in Detroit was brief, he had officially arrived in the big leagues.
New York Yankees Stint (2016–2017)
On November 8, 2016, Mantiply was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, beginning a new chapter in his career. He was released on November 28 but quickly signed a new minor league contract with the team two days later, on November 30. He spent the entire 2017 season with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he made 35 appearances, posted a 6–5 record, and registered a 2.83 ERA with 62 strikeouts across 70 innings pitched. Despite the strong numbers at Triple-A, he elected free agency on November 6, 2017.
Cincinnati Reds and Injury Setback (2017–2019)
On November 13, 2017, Mantiply signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, looking for a fresh opportunity. However, on March 9, 2018, he underwent Tommy John surgery, an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2018 season. He re-signed with the Reds on a minor league deal on October 11, 2018, signaling his determination to work his way back from the procedure.
Return to the Yankees (2019)
On August 9, 2019, Mantiply was traded back to the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations, and the Yankees selected his contract two days later. He made his 2019 debut on August 12 against the Baltimore Orioles, earning his first major league win after relieving Chad Green for three innings. His stay in the Bronx was short, however, as he was designated for assignment on August 13 and elected free agency on November 4.
Arizona Diamondbacks Era (2020–2025)
On January 20, 2020, Mantiply signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, beginning the most extended and successful stretch of his career. The Diamondbacks selected his contract to the active roster on September 1, 2020, and he made four appearances for Arizona, though he struggled to a 15.43 ERA in limited action. He was designated for assignment on September 28, cleared waivers, and was outrighted to the Triple-A Reno Aces on October 1. He re-signed with Arizona on a minor league contract on November 2.
On May 15, 2021, the Diamondbacks brought Mantiply back to the majors, where he made 57 relief appearances, registering an 0-3 record and 3.40 ERA with 38 strikeouts across 39 2/3 innings pitched. In 2022, he was named to the National League All-Star team as a reliever, his first All-Star selection. He appeared in 69 total games for the Diamondbacks, compiling a 2-5 record and 2.85 ERA with 61 strikeouts and two saves over 60 innings of work.
Mantiply made 35 appearances, including three starts, for Arizona in 2023, posting a 2-2 record and 4.62 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 39 innings. In 2024, he served as a primary bullpen arm, making 75 appearances and compiling a 6-2 record and 3.92 ERA with 53 strikeouts and one save across 59 2/3 innings pitched. In 2025, he made 10 appearances for the Diamondbacks but struggled to an 0-1 record and 15.83 ERA, and was designated for assignment on May 30 before being released on June 1.
Toronto Blue Jays (2025)
On July 13, 2025, Mantiply signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, joining the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He made 14 appearances for Buffalo, logging a 2-1 record and 3.45 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings pitched. He elected free agency on November 6, 2025, returning to the open market.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mantiply built his reputation as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen, capable of neutralizing opposing left-handed hitters in high-leverage situations. His craft as a reliever was built on command and the ability to keep the ball in the park, traits that served him well during his standout 2022 All-Star campaign. His consistent work in middle relief provided the Diamondbacks with a dependable arm during some of their most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Notable Events and Milestones
Mantiply’s signature moment came in 2022, when he was named to the National League All-Star team, the first All-Star selection of his career. He also earned his first major league win on August 12, 2019, against the Baltimore Orioles, a milestone that came after years of grinding through the minor leagues and recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Joe Mantiply Career Wins
Across his major league career, Mantiply has collected wins with the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks, working primarily as a reliever. His most productive stretch came in 2024, when he posted a 6-2 record out of the Arizona bullpen. He has also contributed a number of holds and quality relief appearances that have helped stabilize major league bullpens.
MLB Highlights
Mantiply’s first major league victory came on August 12, 2019, when he relieved Chad Green for three innings against the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to register his strongest season in 2022, when he was selected to the All-Star Game and posted a 2.85 ERA across 69 appearances. His 2024 campaign produced a career-high six wins, while his 2023 season included three starts in addition to his regular relief work.
Joe Mantiply Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mantiply grew up in Dry Fork, Virginia, and attended Tunstall High School, where he first emerged as a baseball prospect. His decision to bypass two early draft opportunities, first from the New York Mets in 2009 and then from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012, reflected a long-term commitment to his development as a pitcher.
Personal Life
Mantiply was born on March 1, 1991, and has spent his adult life building a career in professional baseball.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a turbulent year for Mantiply. He opened the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks but struggled in 10 appearances, posting an 0-1 record and 15.83 ERA across 9 2/3 innings pitched. The Diamondbacks designated him for assignment on May 30, 2025, following the promotion of Jeff Brigham, and released him on June 1.
Mantiply caught on with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, signing a minor league contract on July 13, 2025. He reported to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he made 14 appearances, registered a 2-1 record, and posted a 3.45 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings pitched. The showing in Buffalo helped him rebuild his value on the open market.
Following the 2025 minor league season, Mantiply elected free agency on November 6, once again becoming available to major league clubs. His performance in Triple-A suggested he remained a viable left-handed relief option heading into the offseason.