Sometimes, to get the unique chance to represent their country on the biggest sports stage, players will do anything that they can to receive that rare opportunity. In the case of former Philadelphia Phillies prospect Philippe Aumont, that is exactly what has happened for the 37-year-old retired pitcher.
To play for Team Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Aumont needed to come out of retirement, as he had previously officially stepped away from baseball following the 2020 season. Because the last MLB team he was a part of was the Toronto Blue Jays, they needed to “un-retire” his status as a result.
Former Phillies hurler Phillippe Aumont needed some help to play for Team Canada in 2026 WBC
After the transaction appeared, the move was mistakenly reported as Aumont coming out of retirement to sign and actually play for the Blue Jays. But in reality, it was more just a transaction log move in which he needed to be taken off the retired list so that he could compete for his country in the upcoming WBC, as clarified by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
The Blue Jays released Aumont after the minor league deal was done, making him available for Canada's roster.
Phillippe Aumont is not coming out of retirement with the #BlueJays.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 11, 2026
That showed in the transaction log because he’d voluntarily retired with Toronto and needed to be taken off that list to compete in the WBC with Canada.
Aumont was actually a former top prospect who was selected in the first round by the Seattle Mariners in the 2007 MLB Draft. He ultimately became a part of the Phillies organization as a result of the infamous trade that sent four-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee to the Mariners.
Aumont played in parts of four seasons with the Phillies, posting a 1-6 record with a 6.80 ERA and 1.99 WHIP, with 42 strikeouts and 34 walks in 43 2/3 innings in 46 career games. Unfortunately, he struggled to maintain an MLB gig after leaving the organization in 2015 after Philadelphia designated him for assignment.
The Canadian pitcher had stops with the Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, and Detroit Tigers organizations before ultimately announcing his retirement from professional baseball in 2020 during his second stint with Toronto. He has since spent his time farming in Quebec.
In terms of his participation in the World Baseball Classic, Aumont previously pitched for Team Canada in 2009, 2013, and even 2023 following his MLB retirement. The 2026 WBC will be his fourth appearance in the tournament, and at age 37, it will likely be his last chance to represent his country. We wish him the best of luck in his last hurrah for the sport that he loves.