The Toronto Blue Jays have generally been reluctant to trade with their American League East rivals, which made a three-player deal with the New York Yankees from late in the 2018 season particularly notable.

Toronto sent veteran left-hander J.A. Happ to New York at the trade deadline, receiving infielder Brandon Drury and outfielder Billy McKinney in return.

Drury arrived in Toronto looking for a fresh start after a season with the Yankees. New York had acquired him from the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier that year, but migraines and inconsistent production limited him to 18 games in pinstripes before the Yankees ultimately included him in the Happ deal.

His time with the Blue Jays never developed as hoped either. Drury dealt with a broken hand shortly after the trade and later struggled offensively during the 2019 season, when he hit .218 with 15 home runs and 41 RBI. Toronto designated him for assignment in September 2020.

Now, years removed from his time in Toronto and New York, Drury has reached another turning point in his professional career.

Former New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays Infielder Brandon Drury Released As Career Winds Down

Drury signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals during the offseason, hoping to work his way back to the majors. Instead, the 34-year-old was released by Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate on Monday, according to the official transaction log .

The move ended Drury’s latest attempt to return to the major leagues after he last appeared in MLB in 2024 with the Los Angeles Angels.

“On the whole, this year’s Triple-A numbers don’t look great,” Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors . “In 212 plate appearances, he has a .226/.354/.362 line and 90 wRC+.”

Former Silver Slugger Brandon Drury Returns To Open Market After Release

Drury’s versatility has long been one of his defining traits. During his career, he has appeared at second base, third base, shortstop and the outfield, giving clubs a potential utility option when his bat is productive enough to warrant a roster spot.

His best offensive season came well after leaving Toronto. With the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres in 2022, Drury combined for 28 home runs and 87 RBI while posting an .813 OPS, earning a Silver Slugger Award as a valuable right-handed bat.

That production helped earn him a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, but his subsequent seasons have not matched that breakout.

Now released, Drury has a new chance to find a club willing to bet on his positional versatility and the possibility that his bat can rediscover the form that once made him a notable trade piece between AL East rivals.