The Toronto Blue Jays rarely sell at the trade deadline, but 2024 was an exception after a 74-88 season and a last-place finish in the American League East. Injuries and underperformance hurt the team following two straight playoff appearances. Yusei Kikuchi became the main trade asset and was sent to the Houston Astros for Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner, and Jake Bloss. Kikuchi then performed strongly for Houston and later signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Loperfido had a brief stint with Toronto in 2025 before being traded back to Houston for Jesús Sánchez, who became an important hitter in 2026. Wagner was traded at the 2025 deadline for catcher Brandon Valenzuela, who became crucial after Alejandro Kirk’s injury, providing strong defense and some offensive upside.
"The Toronto Blue Jays haven't been sellers at the trade deadline often this decade, but 2024 was a notable exception. That season's Blue Jays squad went a pitiful 74-88 en route to a last-place finish in the American League East. Injuries and underperformance sank the team after two consecutive playoff appearances."
"Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi was the team's biggest trade chip at that deadline, and they sent him to the Houston Astros for a package of prospects. Two of the three they acquired have since been traded again for players contributing to the 2026 squad."
"The Blue Jays received outfielder Joey Loperfido, infielder Will Wagner, and pitcher Jake Bloss from the Astros in return for Kikuchi, who was slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season. The Astros got what they wanted out of the deal as Kikuchi pitched at an extremely high level for them down the stretch. He then cashed in with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63.675 million deal that offseason."
"The front office then traded him back to Houston this past February for Jesús Sánchez after failing to sign Kyle Tucker and learning Anthony Santander would miss most of the year after undergoing shoulder surgery. Sánchez has been one of the most important hitters on this year's squad amid all its injuries, performing very well against right-handed pitching."
Read at Jays Journal
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