Astros acquire outfielder Joey Loperfido, trading Jesús Sánchez. What does this familiar face mean for Houston's 2026 playoff push?
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 player like Loperfido gives the team someone who already knows the organization’s system and can slot in quickly.
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 Loperfido is back in an Astros jersey for the 2026 season.
Now that Joey Loperfido is back, here’s a look at the 26-year-old outfielder’s professional background:
Loperfido made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros on April 30, 2024, playing 38 games for Houston before finishing the season with 43 games for Toronto, for a combined total of 81 games. During that season, he batted .236 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in Houston and .197 with two home runs and nine RBIs in Toronto, per MLB.
In 2025 with Toronto, Loperfido played 41 games, batting .333 with four home runs, 14 RBIs, and an OPS of .879, per MLB. While his power numbers are modest, he made more consistent contact and demonstrated a better approach at the plate. Defensively, he continued to provide versatility in the outfield, a skill that adds value as either a bench option or rotational piece. Despite these improvements, his overall MLB experience remains limited, keeping him in more of a depth and situational role rather than a locked-in everyday starter.
In 104 plate appearances in 2025, Loperfido posted a .431 BABIP, highlighting his ability to make consistent contact against pitchers last season, per MLB.
Returning to Houston for the 2026 season, Loperfido gives the Astros more options in the outfield. His familiarity with the team and steady improvement at the plate make him a useful depth piece as Houston looks to rebound from a tough 2025 campaign. Having an extra outfielder, especially for this injury-prone team, gives Houston someone they can trust to slot in when needed. While he’s not expected to start every day, his ability to play multiple positions provides the Astros added flexibility as they prepare to compete in the American League West.