"The Blue Jays started asking the Twins about Louis Varland three months before the reliever was actually dealt at last summer's trade deadline, and Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that the Twins aimed high in negotiations by asking for one of Trey Yesavage or Kendry Rojas in return. Yesavage (the Jays' top pitching prospect and future postseason breakout star) wasn't going anywhere, but Toronto eventually budged in moving Rojas and outfielder in exchange for Varland."
"The 23-year-old Rojas got rocked over 32 1/3 Triple-A innings in 2025 and is still trying to harness his control, but he could be a candidate to make his MLB debut at some point this season. The Twins will continue to develop Rojas as a starter but some scouts believe a high-leverage relief role could be in the southpaw's future. An initial call-up as a reliever could help Rojas ease his way into the big leagues while not closing the door on a potential future as a rotation piece."
The Blue Jays pursued Louis Varland for three months before acquiring him at last summer's trade deadline. Minnesota initially demanded either Trey Yesavage or Kendry Rojas, but Toronto refused to part with Yesavage, their top pitching prospect. The deal ultimately sent Rojas and an outfielder to the Twins in exchange for Varland. In spring training, Rojas, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher with high-90s velocity, is competing for a role after struggling with control over 32 1/3 Triple-A innings in 2025. Scouts suggest Rojas could transition to high-leverage relief, potentially debuting as a reliever while remaining a future rotation candidate. The Twins plan to develop him as a starter but recognize his relief potential.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]