Astros Trade Jesús Sánchez to Blue Jays for Joey Loperfido

The deal aims to adjust the lineups of both teams as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays completed a player swap on Friday, sending outfielder Jesús Sánchez to Toronto in return for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Sánchez, who joined the Astros at the 2025 trade deadline, has struggled to consistently produce at the major league level despite high expectations as a prospect. Loperfido, who originally left Houston in a 2024 trade, returns to the Astros as they look to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The trade comes as both franchises face contrasting trajectories from the 2025 season. Toronto made a deep playoff run, reaching the World Series, while Houston failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2016. The deal could impact the teams' strategies and roster depth as they aim for success in 2026.

The details

Sánchez, who has six MLB seasons under his belt, has never recorded a batting average above .260 or an on-base percentage exceeding .330, despite his 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 2024. The Blue Jays are hoping he can contribute as a bench player behind their starting outfielders. Loperfido, with limited major league experience, posted a .333 batting average with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 104 plate appearances last year, but his high strikeout rate and low walk rate raise questions about his sustained offensive production.

  • The Astros acquired Jesús Sánchez at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • The Astros and Blue Jays completed the trade on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Jesús Sánchez

A 26-year-old outfielder who has struggled to consistently produce at the major league level despite high expectations as a prospect.

Joey Loperfido

A 24-year-old outfielder who returns to the Astros after being traded away in 2024, as Houston looks to solidify its roster for the upcoming season.

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What’s next

The Astros and Blue Jays will both be closely monitoring the performance of Jesús Sánchez and Joey Loperfido as they integrate into their new teams and contribute to their respective lineups in the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the ongoing roster adjustments and strategic decisions made by both the Astros and Blue Jays as they aim to position themselves for success in the 2026 season, with each team hoping the acquired player can provide a boost to their lineup and overall team performance.