Houston reacquires familiar outfielder Joey Loperfido from Toronto, sending Jesús Sánchez the other way in a trade aimed at adding outfield depth and bolstering the roster for 2026.
This wouldn’t be the first time the Astros brought back a familiar face. Last year it was Carlos Correa, and this year it’s Joey Loperfido. After missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2016, Houston is looking to tweak its roster and add depth in the outfield. Bringing back a familiar player like Loperfido gives the team a veteran presence and someone who already knows the organization’s system. The Astros struck a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and exchanged outfielders: Jesús Sánchez for Joey Loperfido.
Sánchez will make his way to Toronto, and Joey Loperfido is back in an Astros jersey for the 2026 season.
Sánchez was acquired by the Astros in 2025 at the trade deadline from the Marlins for Ryan Gusto, Chase Jaworsky, and Esmil Valencia.
Joey Loperfido was originally traded to Toronto in 2024 for Yusei Kikuchi.
Jesús Sánchez Background & Performance
Over six MLB seasons split between Miami and Houston, Sánchez has never fully lived up to the hype he carried as a prospect. His career-highs include 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 2024, but he has never batted over .260 or posted an on-base percentage above .330. He does, however, provide solid defensive skills in the outfield.
After being traded to Houston in 2025, Sánchez struggled, hitting just four home runs with 12 RBIs and batting .199. Despite this, the Astros signed him to a $6.8 million deal for 2026, which Toronto will now pay. With the Blue Jays, he is expected to serve in a bench/outfield role, helping fill the gap after Anthony Santander’s preseason shoulder injury, per MLB.
Joey Loperfido Background & Performance
Loperfido has had limited success at the MLB level and may not make the Astros’ Opening Day roster. Last season with Toronto, in 104 plate appearances, he slashed .333/.379/.500, hitting four home runs with 14 RBIs. Those numbers are somewhat misleading, however, due to a 26% strikeout rate and a 3.8% walk rate per MLB.
The Toronto Blue Jays, last year’s American League champions, return key players including George Springer, Nathan Lukas, Addison Barger, and Daulton Varsho. Meanwhile, the Astros missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2016, despite a decade of dominance.
This trade gives both teams roster flexibility and adjustments as they head into the 2026 season under very different circumstances.