Former Astro Jesus Sanchez Traded to Blue Jays

Outfielder excited to join reigning AL champions in pursuit of World Series title

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Houston Astros in a trade, with the 25-year-old expressing excitement about joining the reigning American League champions as they look to make another deep playoff run.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are coming off a World Series appearance and are looking to take the next step, and Sanchez provides them with a veteran presence and improved slugging ability in the outfield as they aim to get over the hump and win their first championship since 1993.

The details

Sanchez was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Astros midway through the 2025 season, and now heads to his third team in as many years. The Blue Jays are hoping the right-handed hitter can build on his 14 home runs and 48 RBIs from last season and provide a boost to their lineup.

  • The trade was completed on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Sanchez spoke to the media about the trade on Saturday morning.

The players

Jesus Sanchez

A 25-year-old outfielder who was traded from the Houston Astros to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Joey Loperfido

An outfielder who was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros in the deal for Sanchez.

Bo Bichette

The Blue Jays' All-Star third baseman who the team lost in the offseason.

Dylan Cease

A starting pitcher the Blue Jays acquired in the offseason.

Kazuma Okamoto

A major Japanese prospect the Blue Jays signed in the offseason, who was seen as a potential replacement for Bichette.

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What they’re saying

“I know the team is a competitive team, it's a team that has always been giving their best. So, when I found out, I felt extremely happy.”

— Jesus Sanchez

What’s next

The Blue Jays will look to integrate Sanchez into their lineup as they prepare for the 2026 season and aim to return to the World Series.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays are making a concerted effort to build a championship-caliber roster, and the addition of Sanchez is the latest move in that direction as they look to take the next step after coming up just short in the 2025 World Series.