Blue Jays’ under-the-radar Marlins trade is aging better than expected

The Toronto Blue Jays may have handed former top prospect Otto Lopez to the Miami Marlins on a silver platter in his rise to stardom. But it hasn't worked out that way for another former Blue Jays player that had also landed with the Marlins. Infielder Leo Jiménez was designated for assignment by Miami this past Thursday and was released by the organization on Saturday.

As a former top prospect in the Blue Jays organization, Jiménez was traded by Toronto to the Marlins earlier this year in exchange for infielder Dub Gleed and some international bonus money. At the time, the 25-year-old former Jays prospect was out of minor league options and failed to make Toronto’s Opening Day roster. After designating him for assignment prior to the start of the 2026 season, the Blue Jays managed to find a trade partner in Miami to recoup an asset out of it.

This year with the Marlins, Jiménez primarily served as a reserve player off the bench. However, the 25-year-old infielder struggled to a .199 batting average, .565 OPS, along with 18 runs scored, two home runs and 14 RBIs in 66 total games played with Miami. Despite showing his versatility in being able to play multiple positions in the infield, his disappointing production at the plate left a lot to be desired for the Marlins.

Jiménez showed some promise back when he was still with the Blue Jays organization, which included his breakout minor league campaign back in 2023. That year he posted a solid .270 average, .766 OPS, with 62 runs scored, 18 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 47 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 94 total games played in the Blue Jays’ minor league system. However, Jiménez was never able to translate that success at the plate to the major league level after making his MLB debut with Toronto in 2024.

Despite showing glimpses of his potential at times, they just came far and few between as he managed just a .207 average, .635 OPS, along with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 81 total games in his two seasons with the Blue Jays. As a result, with a subtle 2026 spring training performance, it ultimately led to the end of his tenure with the ballclub.

Leo Jiménez now searches for another chance to restart his MLB career

As for Gleed, the prospect that the Blue Jays received in return, he has quietly put together a solid 2026 campaign, compiling a .278 average, .845 OPS, along with 60 runs scored, 23 doubles, 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in 108 games played split between the Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate Vancouver and Double-A affiliate New Hampshire. Toronto has been getting the better part of the deal so far as Gleed is showcasing some tools he didn't show in Miami.

With Jiménez’s release, he now has the opportunity to find a new home before the season is over. Most importantly, he hope to get another shot to prove his worth as he aims to carve out a career in the big leagues in due time.

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