In 2025, he played 41 games with Toronto and he had an OPS of .879 The young fella was adjusting well to MLB. I like this trade. Joey can go and be a serious candidate for starting LF.
Between his awful defense and base running, Jesus Sanchez was very frustrating to watch. I’m fine the Astros cleared his $6.8 million from the books to give them flexibility for other moves. If Loperfido can play well in his return to the organization, even better.
Loperfido has a lot more to offer the Astros than Sanchez. Cheaper, has options, has more years of control, and can play 1B (and even 2B in a pinch). His offensive floor is lower than Sanchez but it’s an ok trade. FWIW Loperfido was Houston’s #3 prospect per FG when they traded him to Toronto. Chase Jaworsky was #28 and Esmil Valencia was #22 when they were traded for Sanchez (Ryan Gusto wasn’t a ranked prospect). So by that measure this is a great trade for Houston.
The financial flexibility it gives the Astros is the biggest benefit. The fact Loperfido has options and isn’t arbitration eligible also is a plus.
Correct. Sanchez was unlikely to start for the Astros. I'm not a big fan of the Astros OF prospects, but I think the Astros want to try to find a guy out of their prospects over giving Sanchez the bench PAs as a backup OF. Granted, I assume an IF starts in the OF or is traded for an OF starter.
Exactly. He bats left handed had a .910 OPS against right handed pitching in those 41 games. There is a higher probability that he contributes than Sanchez and he's low risk in regards to money and options. This is a great trade. I don't know much about the Blue Jay's situation so I don't know why they did it.
