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How former Blue Jays players are performing with their new clubs
Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Gausman. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How former Blue Jays players are performing with their new clubs

The Toronto Blue Jays went with a hybrid "buy-and-sell" approach at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Five notable players were traded away: starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, outfielder Daulton Varsho, reliever Jeff Hoffman, and minor league prospects Adam Macko and Arjun Nimmala. 

While the departure of fan favorites like Gausman and Varsho was heartbreaking for fans, the team has seen an immediate impact from the return. Brett Bateman, acquired for Gausman, has already stepped into the lineup in center field. Spencer Arrighetti, acquired for Varsho, has yet to debut with the Blue Jays due to injury, but is expected to provide depth to an overworked pitching staff soon. 

Weeks after the trade deadline, let's look at how the former Blue Jays are producing with their new teams: 

Kevin Gausman - Chicago Cubs

Chicago acquired Gausman hoping the veteran would help bolster a beat-up starting rotation, and so far, the results have been patchy. Gausman's first start looked solid, allowing two earned runs over seven innings and collecting the win, but he's struggled in a pair of outings since.  

His latest start was cut short after 4.1 IP due to a cramp in his hand. The Cubs have to be hoping for more from the 35-year-old right-hander. But Gausman's presence in the lineup is still vital as the team continues to navigate a taxed rotation, including ace Justin Steele. As well, Gausman brings postseason pedigree as the Cubs continue to hold the top spot in the National League (NL) wild-card race. 

Daulton Varsho - Houston Astros

Varsho has continued to provide Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field for the Astros, but his offensive production has remained stagnant. Across 15 games, Varsho is batting just .135/.224/.212 (7-for-52) with a home run, six walks, and 12 strikeouts. 

His drop in fly-ball rate while generating more ground balls has contributed to his power regression, which has made his impact minimal as he continues to search for his once-dominant rhythm at the plate. 

Jeff Hoffman - Minnesota Twins

Hoffman has seemingly benefited from his trade to the Twins, returning to being an effective reliever with swing-and-miss stuff. Through seven appearances since the deal, he sports a 2.57 ERA, 6 BB, and 10 SO while allowing just five hits.  

Having Hoffman in the Twins' bullpen has also taken pressure off of late-inning arms Yoendrys Gómez and Andrew Morris, who have been relied on heavily this season. 

Hoffman's high-strikeout potential will also help to provide shutdown innings, and he is expected to continue to be a vital weapon in the pen for the Twins, as they look to make a push in a tight AL wild-card race. 

Adam Macko - Texas Rangers 

Macko was immediately optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. The left-hander has allowed five earned runs in five innings of work, with only four strikeouts. While he gained MLB experience, pitching 22 innings with Toronto, he struggled with his control on the mound, which led to a 4.91 ERA. 

While Macko still provides value as a bullpen depth piece, a call-up will likely only happen if key relievers get injured. As well, if he's able to improve his performance in the minors. Overall, he is better suited to remain in the minors and regain his confidence before he gets another shot at big-league action. 

Arjun Nimmala - Los Angeles Angels

The highly touted shortstop prospect has shown signs of life since joining the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. While he's only recorded a .191 batting average, he hit his first home run on Tuesday, and in his second game in Double-A on Aug. 6, he went 2-for-2 with two doubles, three RBIs, two walks, and a stolen base. 

The 20-year-old ranks as the Angels' top prospect and is expected to provide raw power paired with solid plate discipline. Nimmala is also projected to provide organizational depth and be a mainstay for the franchise's long-term future. Nimmala has already endured offensive struggles in his early career but has showcased resiliency. 

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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