Blue Jays & Giants Swing Trade

 

The Toronto Blue Jays have swung a trade in advance of spring training, but this one won't exactly satisfy the mobs who are struggling with the Jays' very underwhelming off-season. 

OFFICIAL: We’ve traded UTIL Otto Lopez to the Giants for cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/uXoHuKesKy

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 13, 2024

Toronto has dealt utilityman Otto Lopez to the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations.

The 25-year-old infielder/outfielder didn't even make an appearance with the big club in 2023, after playing in nine different games across 2021 and 2022. In six minor-league seasons in the Toronto organization, Lopez has put up an impressive .298 average along with a .771 OPS to go along with 90 stolen bases. 

With the Buffalo Bisons last season, he had a .258 batting average with two home runs and 35 RBIs in 84 games. That was a step down from his 2022 season in Buffalo when he posted a.297/.378/.415 slash line with 14 stolen bases in 391 plate appearances.

Lopez had remained in Toronto's top 30 prospects list for a few seasons due to his strong hit tool and good speed. He provides very little power, however.

Lopez was designated for assignment by the Jays to make room on the roster for Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, whose 5-year contract was finalized this past week.

If the Giants are intent on keeping Lopez around on the 40-man roster, he'll have to fight for playing time with other utility options like  J.D. Davis, Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada, each of whom provides significantly more power than Lopez.

Photo: Jamie Germano/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK