MLB News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Houston Astros left fielder Jesus Sanchez. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Blue Jays make savvy addition in trade with Astros

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 12:25 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays' 2025 season was a huge success as they earned their first World Series berth since 1993.

As the Blue Jays prepare to start the 2026 season, they will be without Anthony Santander, who will undergo shoulder surgery and miss five to six months.

The Blue Jays didn't waste time finding a replacement for Santander, trading for Astros outfielder Jesus Sanchez in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Sanchez brings a better defensive profile than what Santander offers and adds more bat speed to the lineup. Sanchez's bat speed mph ranks in the 93rd percentile according to Baseball Savant.

His flexibility in the outfield, having played all outfield positions, will come in handy as he is a good defender with a strong arm. Manager John Schneider believes Sanchez fits well with the team, according to MLB's Keegan Matheson.

“I learned last year that it’s pretty beneficial to use everyone and their skills in situations that they’re good at,” Schneider said. “Having that option and that versatility is good for us, and having guys who have been there and done that.”

Ross Atkins on Jesús Sánchez:

“He has obviously been incredibly effective against right-handed pitching. He slots in as one of our better options against right-handers on a very regular basis.” #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/uHdxvqdIzo
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 13, 2026

How the Sánchez acquisition enhances the lineup

The trade is a high upside move that provides the Blue Jays with more raw power. Sanchez has recorded five consecutive seasons with double-digit home runs. He also offers flexibility in the lineup as he has experience playing in left field.

Loperfido's role as a bench player worked well as a promising young outfielder, but he wasn't able to earn a high-leverage role.

Sanchez's power has yet to be fully unleashed, but sparks of it have been present. In 2022, he hit a 496-foot bomb that was tied for the fifth-longest in history.

Sanchez is also known for his ability to hit well against right-handed pitching, which provides the Blue Jays with a platoon advantage. When they face left-handed pitching, they can have Davis Schneider or Myles Straw in the lineup.

Jesus Sanchez 2025

75.9mph bat speed
91.3mph EV
25.9% whiff
30.6% chase
16.9% pull air

Addison Barger 2025

75.9mph bat speed
91.7mph EV
26.1% whiff
31.1% chase
21.1% pull air

the Jays like Barger so much they duplicated him
— EJ (@ejmb0000000) February 13, 2026

How Sanchez lightens the Santander injury

Sanchez is the perfect example of a power hitter looking to improve from the 14 home runs he hit last season. In 2024, Sanchez recorded a 51.3% hard-hit percentage and a 92.5 mph average exit velocity, showcasing the strength in his offensive abilities.

Santander is also coming off a down season with the Blue Jays. Following his poor performance and injuries, the $92.5 million signing has been a bust for the Blue Jays.

In May/April of 2025, Santander was hitting below .200, pointing to the disappointment early in his tenure with the Blue Jays. The addition of Sanchez will be beneficial means as it provides more consistent offense as well as some defensive versatility.

Overall, Sanchez is an all-around player who should provide an impact. While he doesn't embody the same power as Santander did back in 2024, when he smashed 44 home runs, Sanchez will offer more consistent contact and versatility.

Vanessa Serrao

More must-reads: