Blue Jays Trade for Myles Straw and Cash Boosts Chances to Land Star Pitcher Sasaki

In a significant move that could reshape their future, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, acquiring center fielder Myles Straw along with $2 million in international bonus pool space. This deal, which also includes Cleveland sending $3.75 million to Toronto, appears designed to bolster the Blue Jays’ chances of signing highly coveted pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has until January 23 to choose his new team. By increasing their international bonus pool to approximately $8.26 million, the Blue Jays are now in a stronger position to compete against other interested teams, notably the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, both of which are also in the running for Sasaki. The Dodgers currently hold approximately $5.1 million in bonus pool space but can similarly enhance their allotment, adding further complexity to the race. For the Guardians, this trade is a calculated move to relieve themselves of Straw’s contract, which guarantees him $13.8 million over the next two years, as well as a potential buyout of $1.75 million. By sending Straw to the Blue Jays, Cleveland hopes to save around $11 million on a player who was once viewed as a cornerstone of their outfield but has since fallen out of favor. The Guardians will send a total of $3 million to Toronto over the next two years, along with the buyout payment scheduled for the end of the 2026 season. Straw, who was once heralded for his exceptional defense—winning a Gold Glove Award in 2022—has seen his offensive production decline sharply in recent seasons. Posting a disappointing .564 OPS in 2022 and struggling in 2023, Straw’s trajectory has led to a demotion to the bottom of the lineup and ultimately being placed on waivers last spring. This decline is particularly notable given his initial promise when he joined the Guardians in a trade with the Houston Astros during the 2021 season. At that time, he quickly became a reliable leadoff hitter with a knack for getting on base and stealing bases, which earned him a long-term contract. However, he never managed to replicate that success. In contrast, the players acquired by the Guardians in previous trades, including infielder Spencer Horwitz and catcher Yainer Diaz, have shown promise. Diaz, in particular, has blossomed into a productive player for the Astros, providing significant value and extending his control through the 2028 season. This trade marks the second collaboration between the Blue Jays and Guardians this offseason, highlighting a trend of both teams recalibrating their rosters and financial commitments. The Blue Jays, eager to enhance their competitiveness, look to invest strategically in their roster while the Guardians continue their efforts to streamline finances and reallocate resources. As the deadline for Sasaki’s decision approaches, this trade underscores the shifting dynamics of major league baseball and the lengths to which teams will go to secure top-tier talent and alleviate financial burdens. The unfolding story of the Blue Jays, Guardians, and Sasaki will be one to watch in the coming weeks as each team navigates the complexities of player acquisitions and salary management.