Last place 2024 deadline moves now coming to fruition for Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays finished the 2024 season as cellar dwellers (74-88), prompting them to make a flurry of deadline moves, which are now coming to fruition two years later.
The Toronto Blue Jays limped to a 74-88 finish in 2024, finishing in last place in the American League East and forcing a hard reset at the July trade deadline.
What looked like a sell-off at the time is now beginning to show signs of long-term payoff.
The first domino fell on July 26, when Toronto shipped reliever Yimi Garcia to the Seattle Mariners for prospects Jacob Sharp and Jonatan Clase.
While Sharp endured a difficult 2025 campaign, Clase has flashed an intriguing skill set built around speed, defensive versatility and sneaky power.
The pop hasn't consistently translated yet, but his athleticism makes him a legitimate breakout candidate.
The deal looks even better in hindsight considering the Blue Jays re-signed Garcia after the season.
A day later, Toronto moved on from former top pitching prospect Nate Pearson, sending him to the Chicago Cubs for Josh Rivera and Yohendrick Pinango.
Rivera, like Sharp, has yet to find his offensive footing in the organization.
Pinango, however, has surged into the club's top-10 prospect rankings and could push for his major league debut in 2026 if he gets off to a strong start.
This is the impressive bat speed and quality of contact that Yohendrick Pinango possesses. Stays back on an up and away splitter and drills it down the LF line for an RBI double. An imperfect player with real flaws, this is his strength. With a bat in his hands. 103.9 MPH EV.
That same day marked the end of an era when longtime catcher Danny Jansen was dealt to the rival Boston Red Sox.
Coffey stands out for his raw power and potential to remain at third base, though evaluators still question his consistency at the plate.
Batista delivered mixed results in Single-A Dunedin during 2025, while Paulino has since reached free agency.
Toronto wasn't done. On July 29, veteran infielder Justin Turner was sent to Seattle for RJ Schreck, another prospect who has climbed into the organization's top 10 and could debut as soon as this season.
RJ Schreck is able to keep the front shoulder tucked and rifles a double down the RF line on this lefty-lefty slider from Trey McGough. Really impressive piece of hitting here. 99 MPH off the bat.
Isiah Kiner Falefa was also flipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Charles McAdoo, a third baseman with significant raw power who caught fire in the second half of his first pro season.
Charles McAdoo shows off the defense. @McadooCharles @BlueJays #BlueJays #SpringTraining
The most impactful deal came when left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was traded to the Houston Astros for Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner and Jake Bloss.
Wagner was later moved to the San Diego Padres for Brandon Valenzuela, a defence-first, switch-hitting catcher with legitimate backup potential.
Loperfido was eventually dealt back to Houston for Jesus Sanchez, an intriguing corner outfielder with elite bat speed who could thrive under hitting coach David Popkins.
Bloss, meanwhile, is recovering from Tommy John surgery but still projects as a potential mid-rotation arm.
Taken together, the 2024 deadline reshaped Toronto's farm system.
With multiple top-10 prospects and several high-upside young players now in the fold, the Blue Jays have built both depth and flexibility for the seasons ahead.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 25|92 ANSWERS Last place 2024 deadline moves now coming to fruition for Toronto Blue Jays Who is your favorite up and coming prospect acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2024 trade deadline? | ||
| RJ Schreck | 27 | 29.3 % |
| Yohendrick Pinango | 7 | 7.6 % |
| Charles McAdoo | 27 | 29.3 % |
| Jonatan Clase | 31 | 33.7 % |
| List of polls | ||