Blue Jays Make Trade With Marlins After 3rd Game of MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 7:21 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have opened the 2026 MLB season in dominant fashion, sweeping their first series against the Athletics to move to a perfect 3-0 start. Toronto’s pitching staff set the tone early; Kevin Gausman struck out 11 batters on Opening Day, setting a franchise Opening Night record, while Dylan Cease followed it up with a historic 12-strikeout debut in on Saturday

The bats particularly came alive on Sunday, with George Springer setting the tone immediately, launching a leadoff home run on the very first pitch, the 64th leadoff homer of his career. Jesús Sánchez followed with a two-run shot in the third inning, and Kazuma Okamoto added a solo home run in the fourth, the first of his MLB career, as Toronto secured a 5-2 win.

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27).© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

With momentum firmly on their side, the Blue Jays now turn their attention to the Colorado Rockies, whom they will host next at Rogers Centre as they look to extend their unbeaten start.

However, shortly after completing their third game of the season, Toronto made a roster move.

According to SportsNet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, the Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins have agreed to a trade that will send Leo Jimenez to Miami. Per reports from Baseball reporter Francys Romero , the return heading to Toronto includes Dub Gleed and $250,000 in international bonus pool money.

Sources: Blue Jays and Marlins have agreed to a trade that will send Leo Jimenez to Miami.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) March 29, 2026

Jimenez, 24, had been on the roster bubble throughout spring training before being designated for assignment ahead of Opening Day. Over his time with Toronto, he appeared in 81 career MLB games, hitting .207 with five home runs and a .635 OPS, while providing defensive versatility across the infield.

In 2025, his role diminished significantly, as he played just 18 games and struggled offensively, which ultimately contributed to his roster squeeze heading into 2026.

A move to Miami offers Jimenez a fresh opportunity. With the Marlins looking for infield depth, he is expected to compete for a more consistent role and potentially re-establish himself as a reliable major-league contributor.

The Blue Jays will look to carry their current form into Monday’s matchup against the Rockies at Rogers Centre, with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 pm ET, broadcast on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, as they aim to remain unbeaten to start the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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