The Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners have made a significant trade early in the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays have traded their All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández to Seattle in return for reliever Erik Swanson and pitching prospect Adam Macko. Hernández has one year left on his contract.
Adam Macko, who is ranked as the No. 8 prospect for the Blue Jays by MLB Pipeline, spent the 2022 season with the Everett AquaSox and the Peoria Javelinas. He is 21 years old.
Teoscar Hernández joined the Blue Jays in a trade with the Houston Astros in 2017. He became a key power hitter for the team, hitting over 20 home runs in each of his four full seasons with the Blue Jays. In the shortened 2020 season, he hit 16 home runs.
Hernández had a standout season in 2021, earning his first All-Star selection with 32 home runs, 116 RBI, a .296 batting average, and an OPS of .870. He played a significant role in the Blue Jays’ wild-card berths in 2020 and 2022.
Erik Swanson, after three inconsistent seasons, had a strong year for the Mariners in 2022 with a 1.68 ERA in 57 appearances, recording 70 strikeouts and just 10 walks.
Hernández’s departure leaves a gap in the Blue Jays’ lineup that they may look to fill. Reports suggest they have shown interest in free agent outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who could provide the left-handed bat they need.
The Mariners swept the Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card Series this past season. It was Seattle’s first playoff appearance since 2001, although they were eliminated by the Houston Astros in the next round.
