AL West Check-In: Astros swap outfielders with Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Houston Astros for outfielder Joey Loperfido on Friday.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Feb 13, 2026, 9:15 AM

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Houston Astros trade Jesús Sánchez Toronto Blue Jays...

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Jesús Sánchez #4 of the Houston Astros runs in from right field after throwing out Jonah Heim of the Texas Rangers at home plate in the seventh inning at Daikin Park on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Houston Astros for outfielder Joey Loperfido on Friday.

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The 28-year-old Sánchez hit .237 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs in 134 games last season between Miami and Houston after coming to the Astros at the trade deadline. The left-handed hitter has 73 home runs in 580 games over six major league seasons.

Loperfido, 26, split last season between Toronto and Triple-A Buffalo, batting .333 in 41 games with the Jays.

He has appeared in 122 career major league contests between Houston and Toronto.

Houston cut payroll significantly with the trade. Sánchez has a $6.8 million salary this year, is again eligible for arbitration next winter and is on track for free agency after the 2027 World Series. Loperfido is not yet eligible for arbitration and will make close to the $780,000 minimum.

The deal also follows news this week that Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander will have surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to miss 5 to 6 months.

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