Blue Jays: A pair of small trades on Sunday

The Blue Jays made a pair of trades on Sunday, acquiring Rob Refsnyder from the New York Yankees, and Nick Tepesch from the Minnesota Twins.

The Blue Jays started into the trade season on Sunday, making a pair of acquisitions. Neither were with the goal in mind of bolstering their chances this year, but they could give the roster a boost nonetheless.

The first was a trade with the New York Yankees which saw the Jays ship Ryan McBroom to the Bronx Bombers in exchange for Rob Refsynder. Refsynder was once considered a possible solution at 2nd base for the Yankees, but since Starlin Castro‘s resurgence in New York, and with other great options in the system, the Yankees didn’t have much use for the versatile South Korean.

Refsynder has experience playing all over the diamond, seeing time at first, second, and third base, as well as both outfield corners. He has appeared in 94 big league games with the Yankees, and has a career slash line of .241/.312/.343. The Blue Jays could view him as additional depth in their infield, but also as a buy-low candidate that could improve with a change of scenery.

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In exchange for Refsynder, the Blue Jays gave up Ryan McBroom, who has shown a pretty solid ability to hit in the minor leagues, especially for power. The 25 year old has played this season with AA New Hampshire, and has hit .243/.321/.402 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI in 96 games played. He is a first baseman and designated hitter, but has also played in left field.

The second deal of the day was an exchange with the Minnesota Twins that saw the Blue Jays acquire right-handed pitcher Nick Tepesch in exchange for cash considerations. Tepesch was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent, and made one start in Minnesota before being sent back to AAA.

The 28 year old is best known for his time spent with the Rangers’ organization in 2013-14, when he appeared in 42 games, starting in 39 of them. He’s struggled to get back to the big leagues on a regular basis since, making one game cameos with the Twins this year, and with the Dodgers last year.

Both players figure to serve as depth in Triple A, and Refsynder has already been assigned to join the Bisons in Buffalo. His acquisition makes sense, as he’s a capable second baseman, and having depth at that position has been needed for the Blue Jays. Tepesch will likely join the Bisons’ roster as well at some point, but for the immediate term he is still on the disabled list, after recently getting struck by a line drive.

Look for the Blue Jays to be among the most active teams in the trade market over the course of the next week, and not in the way that we all hoped they’d be.

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