The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold from the Detroit Tigers in a move that gives Toronto more depth in the bullpen while sending 22-year-old lefty Juanmi Vasquez to Detroit. The trade comes as the Jays open a 40-man roster spot by placing José Berríos on the 60-day injured list after the right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery.
Seabold, 30, was designated for assignment by the Tigers after 11 appearances in which he posted a 3.45 ERA over 15 2/3 innings. He averaged 93.5 mph on his fastball during his time with Detroit, a slight dip from the 94.1 mph he averaged in spring training with the Blue Jays. Seabold originally signed with Toronto on a minor league deal but opted out in March when he didn’t make the Opening Day roster.
The Jays had high hopes for Seabold during spring training. Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet noted in March that the organization planned to use him as a multi-inning reliever before he showed a jump in velocity. In Grapefruit League play, Seabold struck out 13 of 33 batters faced, a 39.4% strikeout rate, despite a 6.75 ERA over 6 2/3 innings.
Toronto’s pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries. Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Lazaro Estrada, Max Scherzer, Joe Mantiply, and Tommy Nance have all landed on the injured list since Opening Day. The Blue Jays currently have only three true starters in Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Patrick Corbin. With Cease recently joining the IL, Toronto is in need of both starting and relief help.
Seabold could be used in a multi-inning role or as a traditional reliever. His 20.3% strikeout rate in the majors is below what the Jays saw in spring training, but his increased velocity and change of breaking ball offer promise. The Jays may need to move players like Chase Lee or Adam Macko to the minors or designate Yariel Rodríguez or Austin Voth for assignment to make room.
Juanmi Vasquez, the player Toronto sent to Detroit, has a 6.00 ERA in 33 High-A innings with a 32.7% strikeout rate and a 15% walk rate. He’s not considered a top prospect and won’t be Rule 5 eligible until after the 2027 season. The Tigers will have time to develop his command and consistency.
The Blue Jays will likely continue to evaluate their pitching needs as Shane Bieber returns from injury and potential call-ups like Chad Dallas remain in the mix. For now, Seabold gives Toronto a new option to stabilize a stretched bullpen.
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