Blue Jays trade for Canadian right-hander Chris Leroux

The Blue Jays are expected to send Chris Leroux to triple-A Buffalo, where he’ll provide veteran depth in the rotation or bullpen

Midway through the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 opening day victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, the team announced a minor trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Now that we’ve finished sweeping up the confetti from opening day, a quick look at the deal.

The Blue Jays have acquired Montreal native Chris Leroux from the Phillies in exchange for cash. Leroux will serve as organizational depth beginning at the triple-A level.

Originally drafted in the 7th round by the Florida Marlins in 2005 out of Withrop University, Leroux spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers before landing in Philly.

The towering 6’6″, 225 pound righty has lived right along the MLB bubble for the past several years, cracking the big leagues in six separate seasons (2009 – 2014) but totalling just 71.2 innings in 65 career appearances. He has seen some time in the rotation before, but the majority of his Minor League career has also come in relief work.

Along with some stops in the Dominican Winter League and Venezuelan Winter League, Leroux has also played professionally in Japan.

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As a member of the 2013 Yakult Swallows out of Tokyo in the Japan Central League, Leroux made five starts and pitched 22.0 innings.

In 2015, Leroux split his season between double-A and triple-A in the Phillies system along with the triple-A affiliate of the Brewers. Across a total of 85.1 innings, Leroux earned a 3.90 ERA with 6.5 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9.

This is a pure depth move, and the cash heading in Philadelphia’s direction was likely not substantial in any way. As a veteran arm that can keep a spot on the triple-A or double-A roster relatively stable, though, there’s a spot for arms like Leroux in the Blue Jays organization. Being a Canadian just makes it that much nicer.