The Mariners swung the first blockbuster trade of the offseason, acquiring All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández from the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Toronto received right-handed reliever Erik Swanson and lefty pitching prospect Adam Macko in return.
Heading into his age-30 season, Hernández is under control for one more season before he’ll be eligible for free agency.
The right-handed hitter won back-to-back Silver Slugger Awards in 2020-21 and has slashed .283/.333/.519 (132 OPS+) over the past three seasons, averaging 36 homers and 114 RBIs per 162 games in that span.
Hernández could effectively replace free agent Mitch Haniger in right field for the Mariners, whose outfield options also include 2022 AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez, veteran Jesse Winker, 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis, former top prospects Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammell, as well as Sam Haggerty and Dylan Moore.
Swanson, 29, was a key piece in Seattle’s dominant bullpen last season, recording a 1.68 ERA with 70 strikeouts and only 10 walks over 53 2/3 innings. He'll add to a strong contingent of right-handers in Toronto's bullpen, joining Jordan Romano, Yimi Garcia, Anthony Bass and Adam Cimber.
The Blue Jays are also receiving Macko, who was Seattle’s No. 8 prospect. The 21-year-old left-hander has averaged 14 K’s per nine innings over three Minor League seasons. He reached the High-A level in 2022.
Heading into his age-30 season, Hernández is under control for one more season before he’ll be eligible for free agency.
The right-handed hitter won back-to-back Silver Slugger Awards in 2020-21 and has slashed .283/.333/.519 (132 OPS+) over the past three seasons, averaging 36 homers and 114 RBIs per 162 games in that span.
Hernández could effectively replace free agent Mitch Haniger in right field for the Mariners, whose outfield options also include 2022 AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez, veteran Jesse Winker, 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis, former top prospects Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammell, as well as Sam Haggerty and Dylan Moore.
Swanson, 29, was a key piece in Seattle’s dominant bullpen last season, recording a 1.68 ERA with 70 strikeouts and only 10 walks over 53 2/3 innings. He'll add to a strong contingent of right-handers in Toronto's bullpen, joining Jordan Romano, Yimi Garcia, Anthony Bass and Adam Cimber.
The Blue Jays are also receiving Macko, who was Seattle’s No. 8 prospect. The 21-year-old left-hander has averaged 14 K’s per nine innings over three Minor League seasons. He reached the High-A level in 2022.
