Toronto Blue Jays trade Tyler Ybarra to Rockies for Jayson Aquino

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a deal, swapping Minor League pitchers with the Colorado Rockies.  The Jays will be sending 25-year old Tyler Ybarra to Colorado in exchange for 22-year old Jayson Aquino, both of whom are lefties.  Acquino had recently been designated for assignment.

Ybarra has come a long way since being a 2008 43rd round selection of the Toronto Blue Jays, but struggled with a 4.42 ERA in 53.0 IP at AA New Hampshire this past season where a decreased K/9 and jump in HR/9 got the better of him.

Aquino, on the other hand, has caused a little more prospect buzz in his young career.  After signing with the Rockies organization as a 17-year old in 2010, he pitched for parts of three seasons in the Dominican Summer League.  Over 216.1 IP from 2010-2012, Aquino posted a fantastic 1.29 ERA and 0.809 WHIP.  While Colorado initially exercised caution with his development, he appeared to have an exciting, mid-rotation ceiling at the time.

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Late in 2012 and into 2013, the Rockies began to progress Aquino through Rookie ball and their A-levels, seeing his success fade slightly with each step.  The majority of his 2014 season was spent with high-A Modesto of the California League, where he stumbled to a 5.40 ERA in 95 innings.

Aquino throws a fastball that tops out around 91 MPH, with a curveball and change up have reportedly shown the potential to be plus pitches.  In several scouting reports, though, issues with Aquino’s character arise.  Several scouts noted that he looked out of shape at points in recent seasons, and did not always look 100% interested in the job at hand.  He’s been noted to have somewhat of a temper on the mound, as well.

Perhaps a change of scenery can spark the young Aquino.  While Ybarra was a quality member of the Blue Jays Minor League system, adding another young left-handed pitcher with upside can’t be disappointing.  In the short-term, Aquino could push to start his season in AA New Hampshire.  He will be invited to camp in the spring and has two options remaining, according to Shi Davidi, and the Blue Jays will now need to make room for him on their 40-man roster.