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Toronto Blue Jays trade-deadline details, analysis, grade
Now that the trade deadline has passed, Blue Jays fans can take a deep breath. The front office had to make some critical decisions over the past few days and traded away some of the team's best talent as well as some fan favorites. In return, Toronto got younger and cheaper while boosting its farm system.
In fact, eight of the franchise's 14 acquisitions cracked its top-30 prospects, according to MLB.com.
Over the past five days, here are all of the players involved in Blue Jays trades:
Traded away
RP Yimi Garcia (SEA)
RP Nate Pearson (CHC)
C Danny Jansen (BOS)
DH Justin Turner (SEA)
SP Yusei Kikuchi (HOU)
P Trevor Richards (MIN)
OF Kevin Keirmeier (LAD)
INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa (PIT)
Traded for
OF Jonaton Clase (SEA)
C Jacob Sharp (SEA)
SS Josh Rivera (CHC)
OF Yohendrick Pinago (CHC)
SS Cutter Coffey (BOS)
SS Eddinson Paulino (BOS)
P Gilberto Batista (BOS)
OF RJ Shreck (SEA)
P Jake Bloss (HOU)
OF Joey Liperfido (HOU)
2B Will Wagner (HOU)
INF Jay Harry (MIN)
P Ryan Yarborough (LAD)
OF Charles McAdoo (PIT)
Analysis
The Blue Jays front office made it clear through its actions that the team is going into a complete rebuild. Most of the players the Blue Jays traded away are on expiring deals and are set to seek larger contracts this offseason (with the exception of Justin Turner and Kevin Kiermeier). They also, for the most part, went after almost major league-ready talent that could start making an impact as soon as next year. Here is some more information about the best and most impactful players that Toronto received during this trade deadline:
Joey Loperfido, 25, entered the season as Houston's No. 6 prospect before graduating from prospect status. He has continued to excel in Triple-A this year, boasting 13 home runs and a .933 OPS over 39 games. Loperfido's versatility, with the ability to play both corner outfield spots and first base, positions him well for potential playing time down the stretch and a chance to compete for an outfield spot in 2025.
Jake Bloss began the season in high-A after being selected in the third round of last year’s draft. He rapidly advanced through the levels to reach the majors. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Bloss achieved a 1.64 ERA with 63 strikeouts over 66 innings.
Jonatan Clase has spent most of the season in Triple-A with a brief stint in the majors, where he struggled. In Triple-A, he is slashing .274/.373/.483. Clase’s standout attribute, however, is his speed; he stole 79 bases in 2023 and has 29 so far in 2024.
Eddinson Paulino made a remarkable debut by batting .336 in the rookie-level Florida Complex League in 2021. He led his league in doubles (35), triples (10), extra-base hits (58) and total bases (217). Transitioning to full-season ball the following year, Paulino maintained solid performance in High-A at age 20, slashing .257/.338/.420. He is now currently in Double-A and his ETA is listed as 2025 on MLB.com
Grade
A
The Blue Jays front office was actually able to find a good balance between selling and not clearing the house. With the near-major league-ready additions of Loperfido, Bloss, Clase, Paulino and more, this team may be right back in the pennant race next season. Toronto was also able to clear up around $7.5 million in cap space to spend this winter.
Well done, Ross Atkins and Mark Shaprio.
More must-reads:
- Astros add needed pitching help by acquiring Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays
- Watch: Orioles' James McCann shows his toughness vs. Blue Jays
- The '1992 & 1993 Toronto Blue Jays' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
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