The Toronto Blue Jays will trade right-handed reliever Yimi García to the Seattle Mariners. In return, Seattle is sending outfielder Jonatan Clase and minor league catcher Jacob Sharp. Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the deal, and the Blue Jays later confirmed it on social media. The Mariners have been transforming their roster in recent days. They designated first baseman Ty France for assignment on Tuesday, and made the first big splash of the trade season yesterday, landing Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Mariners need García to help get the ball to Andrés Muñoz, who has served as a shut-down closer this year. Matt Brash and Gregory Santos, who have served as set-up men, are out with injuries.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired OF Jonatan Clase and C Jacob Sharp from the Mariners in exchange for RHP Yimi García.
Welcome to our #BlueJays family! pic.twitter.com/Sd0c32ufQM
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 26, 2024
Blue Jays Trade Yimi García to Mariners
Stand-Out Season
García has had a break-out season thus far, with a sparkling 2.70 ERA and a 36.5% strikeout rate. In addition, he is 5-for-6 in save opportunities and sports 10 holds this year.
The set-up man just returned from the injured list. García missed a month with nerve irritation in his elbow. However, in his most recent outing, he pitched two innings, striking out five of the eight batters he faced.
Contract Year
García, who was in his third year with the Blue Jays, will be a free agent at the end of the season. The reliever had been one of several rentals Toronto was shopping, as they are now eyeing the future.
Beginnings
García originally signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 2009. He was added to the 40-man roster in 2013. García made his major-league debut on September 1, 2014, against the Washington Nationals. He pitched two scoreless innings with one strikeout.
After becoming a free agent in 2019, García signed with the Miami Marlins, who traded him to the Houston Astros in July of 2021. In December of the same year, García signed with the Blue Jays.
Photo Credit: © Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
