Toronto Blue Jays place beloved outfielder on trading block due to logjam

Jan 24, 2026 (4:35 PM)

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Joey Loperfido is officially on the trading block as the Blue Jays look to solve a massive outfield logjam ahead of the 2026 season.

This move feels inevitable for a franchise that currently has too many bodies and not enough grass to cover.

Loperfido is simply too good to sit on the bench or rot in Triple-A Buffalo for another year.

The 26-year-old lefty put up massive numbers in limited action last season which has rival scouts salivating.

In just 41 games for the Jays he posted a .333 batting average and a staggering .879 OPS.

Those are All-Star caliber numbers even if the sample size is relatively small for a major league starter.

Now he finds himself stuck behind Daulton Varsho in center field and the newly signed Anthony Santander in the corners.

With Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw also gobbling up innings there is no clear path to the lineup.

Loperfido is facing the exact same nightmare scenario that ended his tenure with the Houston Astros.

He fell down the depth chart in Texas and never received the consistent playing time he deserved.

Teams like the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are reportedly in the market for outfield reinforcements.

Both organizations need a young left-handed bat who can provide immediate production at a low cost.

Toronto should be careful about moving a player with this much offensive upside for a middle-relief arm.

Every contender needs depth to survive the long summer but Loperfido is currently a luxury they cannot afford.

If he stays he likely starts the year in Buffalo which would be a waste of his prime years.

Ross Atkins is likely looking to flip Loperfido for a high-leverage pitcher to bolster the bullpen.

This is a classic case of a team being a victim of its own successful roster construction.

Keeping Loperfido in the minors would be a disservice to a player who has proven everything he can.

Expect a deal to happen before spring training begins to give him a fresh start elsewhere.

Losing his bat will hurt if injuries strike but the Jays need to balance the roster today.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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JANVIER 24\|362 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays place beloved outfielder on trading block due to logjam Which team is the best trade fit for Joey Loperfido?
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