Blue Jays get a big haul for the rental inning-eater
When Jake Bloss was scratched from tonight’s game you knew something was up.
Per MLB Trade Rumors, the Astros sent their number 1 pitching prospect, Jake Bloss, to Toronto for Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi’s record with the Jays is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA. However, his peripherals are more appetizing: 3.98 xERA and 3.39 xFIP.
Astros fans are surprised by the additional cost, rookie power-hitting outfield wizard Joey Loperfido, and 13th ranked Astro prospect, third baseman Will Wagner.
Bloss, age 23, rose quickly through the Astros system, getting promoted to the starting rotation directly from AA. However, in three games as an Astro he had a 6.94 ERA and 5.79 xERA.
Loperfido, age 25, started hot with the Astros, but in 118 PAs, he has slashed 236./299./358 with a 36.4 K%.
The Astros made a big sacrifice for a rental pitcher, and the Blue Jays could get Major league service for years to come from any one or more of these prospects. But such is the price of entry in the championship sweepstakes, and the Astros are desperate for starting pitching now.