Did Joey Loperfido show enough to be considered a long-term piece in 2024?

At the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, the Blue Jays sent Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros for a package of three players. One of the players Toronto acquired was Joey Loperfido, who finished the season in the major leagues and is currently listed as the Blue Jays starting left fielder on fangraphs depth chart of the team.

Loperfido finished out the season in Toronto, but the numbers he put up did not exactly earn himself the title of the starting left fielder. His numbers with both the Astros and Blue Jays were below average, which is not uncommon for a rookie, but what he showed, indicated that he is not quite ready to handle a starting role. That could jeopardize his long term outlook in Toronto as they look to make a splash in free agency.

Blue Jays may want to look elsewhere after Joey Loperfido's performance

After the Blue Jays acquired Loperfido, he quickly joined the team in Toronto. In 43 games, Loperfido batted .197 with two home runs and nine runs batted in. Additionally, he posted an OPS of .579, which came from an on-base percentage of .236 and a slugging percentage of .343. His wRC+ sat way below average at 61 and he struck out at a 36.1% clip.

His numbers were slightly better in Houston, but was still below average as his wRC+ was at 89 and his OPS reached .658. On the other hand, Loperfido had an excellenet showing in Triple-A in 2024 inside Houston's organization. He batted .272 with an OPS of .933 and a wRC+ of 124. He also hit 13 home runs and drove in 33 runs.

One positive that Loperfido showed in 2024 was his outstanding glove. In left field, he saved five defensive runs and his outs above average reached one. That made a fielding run value of two. Although his bat was not great, his glove was, which could be useful to the Blue Jays next season.

If the Blue Jays can unlock Loperfido's offensive potential, then he could be a solid fourth outfielder in 2025. Toronto should definitely be looking to upgrade left field through a trade or free agency. Loperfido has potential, but he does not appear ready to handle an everyday role in the outfield.