4 overlooked Blue Jays moves that are already paying huge dividends this year

Acquiring Brendon Little from the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2024 season

The Blue Jays acquired Little from the Cubs in November 2023 in a minor deal that's quickly turning into a huge steal for Toronto. At the time of the trade, he had only appeared in one MLB game and allowed three runs in 2/3 of an inning.

Now, the 28-year-old left-hander seems to have carved out a key role in Toronto's bullpen. In 69 total appearances with the Jays, over the last two seasons, Little has a 2-3 record with a tidy 3.25 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings pitched.

He's also been one of Toronto's best relievers this season. He's gone 1-0 with 2.00 ERA, 22 WHIP, e with 28 punchouts in just 18 innings.

Little has become the top lefty option out of the bullpen for the Jays, and has become one of the best options in high-leverage. The Blue Jays only had to give up cash considerations to get him, which has turned this move into the baseball version of winning the lottery.

Moving George Springer out of the leadoff spot

Sometimes a positive move doesn't need to be a transaction.

Springer entered the season looking to bounce-back after a tough showing in 2024, and said that he'd be open to doing whatever the team needed to help win.

With that thinking in mind, manager John Schenider elected to move 35-year-old outfielder out of the leadoff.

That move has been a win so far this year, as Springer's in the midst of a resurgent year. He's compiled a solid .294 average in 35 games with a .900 OPS, eight doubles, one triple, four home runs, 15 RBI and five stolen bases.

After starting the year in the bottom of the lineup, he's moved up to the cleanup spot in the lineup, which shows the faith that Schneider has in him.

After two down seasons in a row, Springer's been an impact player for the Jays this season.