Devastating update for Toronto Blue Jays Joey Loperfido
Photo credit: Brandon Sloter / Jays Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly gearing up to release promising young outfielder Joey Loperfido as they navigate a difficult roster crunch, forcing tough decisions as they near the final stretch of the regular season.
The Blue Jays outfield has quickly become crowded with talent, and once Daulton Varsho makes his return from the injured list, it's clear that one young player will lose his spot on the roster.
Blue Jays ready to cut ties with surging outfielder Joey Loperfido.
Jackson Roberts from Newsweek poses the question: Has Loperfido's recent hot streak actually secured him a one-way ticket out of Toronto to a team where he'll get more playing time? According to one team insider, that's exactly the case.
On Friday, Mitch Bannon of the Athletic forecasted that Loperfido would be traded by Thursday, boosted by his increased trade value after the recent hot streak.
"The Jays have nine outfielders on the 40-man roster, plus Anthony Santander on the 60-day IL. They'll likely move one of the many similar young outfielders.
It's a group that includes Alan Roden and Jonatan Clase, but Joey Loperfido's value might be the highest of the bunch. When Daulton Varsho returns from his hamstring injury, Loperfido likely loses his MLB spot anyway. So, he's the perfect high stock to cash in." -Bannon
The Blue Jays acquired Loperfido last July in the Yusei Kikuchi trade with the Houston Astros, making it a curious full-circle moment if the young outfielder is traded again this year, especially as Toronto shifted from sellers to buyers within just one season.
"It's going to be a nerve-wracking week for many young players, Loperfido included. But the silver lining of having to leave a Blue Jays team fighting for a pennant might be a better opportunity to finally become an established big-leaguer." -Roberts
We'll see how it all unfolds in the coming weeks.
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