Jose Soriano leads the American League with 57 walks permitted this season, and yet the Toronto Blue Jays just traded for him, signaling a risky but focused move on their 2027 season. Even after what they’re calling a disappointing season, the Blue Jays front office believes they can contend next year, acting as both buyers and sellers to reshape their roster.
Toronto’s 2027 Vision: A High-Stakes Bet
The Blue Jays’ strategy is all about 2027. They shipped outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Houston Astros for right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, grabbed utilityman Josh Smith from the Texas Rangers, and, most notably, acquired right-handed starting pitcher Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels. This wasn’t just a depth move; Soriano is stepping into some big shoes, essentially replacing longtime Blue Jay Kevin Gausman, who was dealt to the Chicago Cubs. Soriano, at 27 years old, won’t hit free agency until after the 2028 season, meaning Toronto has him under control for a few years if this bet pays off.
The “UnHittable” Arm With A Catch
Here’s the kicker: Soriano has stretches where he looks absolutely unhittable, like the 25.2 scoreless innings he threw to start this season. But the dude’s got some serious red flags, especially his injury history and his struggle to find the plate. Andy McCullough of The Athletic didn’t pull any punches, writing that “Toronto will take a risk on Soriano’s injury history and strike-throwing ability. But he profiles as a solid back-end starter with a bit of upside who won’t break the bank in arbitration.” That “risk” is no joke; his 4.2 BB/9 this season is identical to 2025, and he leads the AL in walks through 123 innings. And we’re talking about a guy who’s had two elbow surgeries, including Tommy John, dating back to his minor league days. Right arm fatigue even cut short his breakout season with the Angels in 2024.
The Blue Jays are clearly hoping all those injuries are firmly in the rearview mirror. If Soriano can somehow stay healthy and harness that stuff, he’s set to play a pivotal role in their rotation for 2027. It’s a huge “if,” but hey, that’s the name of the game when you’re swinging for contention.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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