Teoscar Hernandez trade details: Mariners acquire All-Star outfielder from Blue Jays

Total times read this article : 5

Jerry Dipoto has struck again. The Mariners general manager swung a deal for Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on Wednesday, bolstering a lineup that often held back an otherwise talented roster this past season.

The deal gives Seattle two outfielders who can hit for both contact and power as Hernandez joins newly minted AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez. The addition of Hernandez is yet another signal that the Mariners won’t settle for snapping their postseason drought and have their goals set on World Series contention in 2023.

MORE: How the Mariners made MLB history with a huge comeback vs. the Blue Jays in WCS Game 2

The Blue Jays are also looking to contend in 2023, but they had a tough decision to make with Hernandez approaching free agency and due for a salary increase through arbitration this offseason.

While Toronto may believe this is a necessary business decision, the loss of Hernandez puts a dent in a star-studded lineup that pushed the Blue Jays to the postseason this year.

Hernandez hit .267 with 25 home runs and an .807 OPS in 2022. He had an .882 OPS between 2020 and 2021, earning an All-Star selection in 2021. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Mariners’ deal for Hernandez.

Teoscar Hernandez trade details

It’s a three-player deal, with a pitching prospect and major league reliever heading back to Toronto.

Mariners receive

Blue Jays receive

  • RP Erik Swanson
  • P Adam Macko

Swanson was arguably the Mariners’ top reliever in 2022, posting a 1.68 ERA and sparkling 0.91 WHIP across 53.2 innings. Bullpen struggles have often doomed the Blue Jays over the past two seasons, so Toronto is hoping the 29-year-old Swanson can serve as a high-end set-up man in front of closer Jordan Romano.

Macko ranked as Seattle’s No. 8 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline rankings. The 21-year-old was a seventh-round pick in 2019 and has never pitched above High-A ball, posting a 3.99 ERA across eight starts in 2022. Macko struck out an impressive 14.1 batters per nine innings, and the Blue Jays clearly believe that can translate to higher levels.

Macko was born in Slovakia but has a Canadian connection. He attended Vauxhall High School in Alberta before being drafted by the Mariners. 

If Macko reaches the majors, he would be the first Slovakian-born player since 1961. 

Teoscar Hernandez contract 

Hernandez has one year remaining on his rookie contract and is set to be a free agent after the 2023 season.

The Blue Jays presumably didn’t believe they could meet Hernandez’s contract demands next winter and were motivated to get some value while they could, but this deal also frees up significant money for next season. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Hernandez was projected to make $14.1 million via arbitration this winter.

With Swanson set to make much less than that in his first year of arbitration, it’s possible Toronto could redirect some of that money toward more pitching help. 

Facebook Comments Box

Hits: 0

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR