Toronto won’t have Anthony Santander for most of 2026, leaving the Jays down an outfielder heading into spring games next week. The team remedied that on February 13, as the Blue Jays acquired former Marlins and Astros outfielder Jesus Sanchez in a one-for-one trade with Houston.
Jays and ‘Stros swap Sanchez & Loperfido
The Blue Jays and Astros swapped left-handed hitting outfielders. Jesus Sanchez goes to Toronto, while Joey Loperfido will return to the Astros.
Sanchez was acquired from the Marlins last summer to give more variety to an Astros lineup very heavy on right-handed hitters. However, things didn’t go well for Sanchez in Houston. Over the final two months, Sanchez slashed .199/.269/.342 with four home runs and 13 extra-base hits.
The 28-year-old has hit double-digits in home runs in each of the last five seasons. His average bat speed of 75.9 MPH ranked in the 95th percentile of MLB last season.
Loperfido, traded to Toronto for Yusei Kikuchi two years ago, was very productive in limited action with the Jays last season. The 26-year-old slashed .333/.379/.500 with four home runs and 104 plate appearances. He batted .350 against left-handed pitchers, even though most of his PAs came against righties.
The returning Astro has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game. However, even though the swing is longer than the MLB norm, Loperfido was able to catch up to velocity better in 2025 than in 2024. His Whiff% was only 21% in Triple-A last season off four-seam fastballs.
He was a seventh-round pick by Houston back in 2021.
Taylor back with Angels
Per the New York Post, Chris Taylor will rejoin the Los Angeles Angels on a Minor League deal.
The 35-year-old played in 30 games for the Angels last season after he was released by the Dodgers.
Minor League signings
The Yankees officially signed reliever Rafael Montero to a Minor League deal, which also comes with an invite to Spring Training. Montero received an invite to Spring Training.
Per MLB.com, the Reds signed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a Minor League deal. Lowe spent 2025 between the Nationals and Red Sox.
Check out more of our MLB coverage.