Cincinnati Reds could look to close big trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for young outfielder
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Victor William
Jan 4, 2026 (1:33 PM)
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido has been receiving a lot of trade interest and it looks like the Cincinnati Reds could be a good fit.
A recent trade proposal stirred things up by claiming Cincinnati has checked in while Toronto keeps listening on Loperfido. The important part is the direction, not the megaphone, because the Blue Jays really do have an outfield squeeze.
Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported in The Athletic that Toronto has at least explored moving surplus outfielders for bullpen help. In multiple recaps of that reporting, Loperfido's name sits in the same bucket as Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw.
If you only watched his box scores in 2025, you would wonder why he is even discussed. Joey Loperfido hit .333 with a .879 OPS in 41 games, popping four homers and driving in 14 runs.
That line is real on both MLB.com and ESPN, and it matters because it hints at a useful everyday bat. He is 26, makes near the league minimum at $760,000, and he is controllable for years, so rivals will call.
The awkward part for Toronto is fit, not talent. Loperfido is a left-handed hitter in an outfield mix that already includes George Springer, Daulton Varsho, and Anthony Santander, plus younger names pushing for time.
In this article, the case is made that the Reds should pursue Joey Loperfido from the Blue Jays
He hit .333/.379/.500 in 41 MLB games last season and has hit .277/.369/.474 with 59 HRs over five MiLB seasons, giving Cincy a young, controllable, impact outfield bat.
Thoughts?
He hit .333/.379/.500 in 41 MLB games last season and has hit .277/.369/.474 with 59 HRs over five MiLB seasons, giving Cincy a young, controllable, impact outfield bat.
Thoughts?
Cincinnati's interest also tracks with how the Reds have behaved this winter. They have added outfield depth, including JJ Bleday on a one-year deal, but MLB.com has still framed their 2026 outfield as unfinished.
Joey Loperfido trade buzz meets Cincinnati Reds need
The Blue Jays have a clear surplus of outfielder which is why they have been linked to multiple trade proposals involving Loperfido.
From the Reds' angle, the appeal is simple. Great American Ball Park rewards lefty pop, and Loperfido's pull-side power showed up in Triple-A and in short bursts in the majors.
From Toronto's angle, the logic is even simpler. If the front office believes its next competitive edge is relief pitching, a cheap, controllable outfielder is the exact kind of chip that moves a serious arm.
None of this means a deal is imminent, and no major reporter has confirmed Cincinnati as the specific landing spot yet. Still, the fact that Loperfido keeps showing up in credible roster-balance reporting tells you Toronto is at least willing to listen.
If there's a real test, it will come when camps open and clubs finally admit what jobs are actually available. Until then, Loperfido sits in that uneasy space between «part of the future» and «useful currency.»
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop has signed with the New York Yankees
Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop has signed with the New York Yankees
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 4|467 ANSWERS Cincinnati Reds could look to close big trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for young outfielder Should the Toronto Blue Jays trade Joey Loperfido with Cincinnati Reds interest floating? | ||
| Trade Joey Loperfido | 275 | 58.9 % |
| Keep Joey Loperfido | 116 | 24.8 % |
| Cincinnati Reds deal | 10 | 2.1 % |
| Wait it out | 66 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||