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Blue Jays Swap Macko for Rangers’ Josh Smith & Josh Stephan
Blue Jays and Rangers Swap Players in Monday Trade
The Big News
The Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers made a trade on Monday! Here’s the simple version:
Toronto gives: Left-handed pitcher Adam Macko
Texas gives: Infielder Josh Smith + Minor-league pitcher Josh Stephan
Both teams officially announced the deal Monday afternoon. Dallas Morning News reporter Evan Grant broke the story first.
Who Is Adam Macko? (The Player Going to Texas)
- Background: Born in Slovakia, raised in Alberta, Canada
- Training: Graduated from Vauxhall Academy of Baseball
- Blue Jays history: Came to Toronto in the Teoscar Hernández trade (November 2022)
- 2024 MLB debut: First time pitching in the big leagues this season
- Stats this year: 4.91 ERA • 23 strikeouts • 10 walks • 22 innings pitched
ELI5: Think of ERA like a "runs allowed per game" score. Lower is better. 4.91 means he’s been okay but not amazing.
Who Is Josh Smith? (The Main Player Coming to Toronto)
- Age: 28 years old
- Position: Super utility guy! Plays all four infield spots + corner outfield
- Contract: Team control through 2028 (that’s 4 more affordable years)
- Past 2 seasons: Above-average hitter
- This season: Struggling at the plate
- Batting line:
.213 / .299 / .272 - Translation: Not hitting for average, power, or getting on base much
- Batting line:
- Defense: Negative value per Statcast (advanced tracking system)
Important Point: Even though he’s struggling now, the Blue Jays are betting on his track record, versatility, and team-friendly contract.
Who Is Josh Stephan? (The Bonus Pitcher)
- Age: 24
- Role: Right-handed starter (pitches at the beginning of games)
- Level: Triple-A (one step below MLB)
- 2024 stats: 5.44 ERA • 97 strikeouts • 31 walks • 101 innings
- Why he matters: Young arm with starting experience — could develop into a back-of-rotation option
Why Did Toronto Make This Trade?
| Blue Jays Get | Why It Makes Sense |
|---|---|
| Josh Smith | Cheap, versatile infielder with 4 years of control. Fills holes all over the diamond. |
| Josh Stephan | Lottery ticket: young starter with strikeout stuff. Low risk, possible reward. |
| Roster flexibility | Macko was expendable in a crowded bullpen. |
| Rangers Get | Why It Makes Sense |
|---|---|
| Adam Macko | Left-handed reliever with MLB experience. Lefties are valuable in late innings. |
Summary
The Blue Jays traded a struggling young reliever (Macko) for a versatile, affordable infielder (Smith) and a project starter (Stephan). Toronto prioritizes positional flexibility and cost certainty — Smith can play everywhere and won’t get expensive until 2028. Texas adds a lefty bullpen piece they hope can settle in.
Bottom line: This is a "depth for depth" swap. No superstars moved. Both teams addressed needs without betting the farm.
FAQ
1. Why trade Macko if he just made his debut?
He pitched okay (4.91 ERA), but Toronto has lots of lefty relievers. He became expendable — a "luxury" they could trade for something they needed more: infield help.
2. Is Josh Smith good?
He was good the last two years. This year? Not so much. But he’s cheap, versatile, and only 28. The Jays think he’ll bounce back.
3. What does "club control until 2028" mean?
The Blue Jays don’t have to pay him market value until 2028. They control his salary through arbitration — huge savings.
4. Who "won" the trade?
Too early to say! Trades take years to evaluate. Toronto got certainty and versatility; Texas got a lefty reliever with upside.
5. Will Josh Stephan pitch for the Blue Jays soon?
Probably not. He’s at Triple-A with a 5.44 ERA. He needs to sharpen his command (31 walks in 101 innings) before getting a call-up.
