The Blue Jays made another move ahead of their Opening Day, acquiring outfielder Bradley Zimmer from the Guardians in exchange for reliever Anthony Castro.
OFFICIAL: We've acquired OF Bradley Zimmer from the Guardians in exchange for RHP Anthony Castro. pic.twitter.com/KLTvEx9CfR
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 8, 2022
Zimmer, 29, spent his first five MLB seasons with Cleveland. He compiled a .225/.310/.347 slash line with 19 home runs and 86 RBIs in 858 plate appearances over that span. He also added 39 stolen bases.
The 2014 first-round draft pick (by Cleveland) is known more for his defense than his bat. He was a bottom-of-the-lineup option in Cleveland.
Castro, 26, made 25 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2021. He posted a 1-2 record with a 4.74 ERA. Last season was his second in the MLB and first in Toronto.
Zimmer joins a Blue Jays team that is expected to compete for a World Series this season. Toronto will open its season Friday night against the Rangers at Rogers Centre.
MORE: Blue Jays season preview 2022: Roster, depth chart, key storylines
Bradley Zimmer trade details
- Blue Jays get: Bradley Zimmer
- Guardians get: Anthony Castro
The Blue Jays shored up their outfield with the acquisition of Zimmer. He figures to be an option off the bench, with Lourdes Gurriel Jr., George Springer and Teoscar Hernandez set to be the starting outfielders.
Raimel Tapia, whom the Blue Jays acquired from the Rockies in the Randal Grichuk trade last month, will also be an option off the bench. He can start when Hernandez is the designated hitter. Tapia is a left-handed bat while Zimmer is a right-handed hitter.
Castro wasn't in line for a big role in the Jays' bullpen. He saw limited action last season behind the likes of Julian Merryweather, Tim Mayza and Adam Cimber. Toronto added Yimi Garcia in the offseason and right-hander Nate Pearson has emerged as a relief option for manager Charlie Montoyo.
