6 amazing Blue Jays moves that worked out better than planned in 2023

The trade for Génesis Cabrera

Prior to the trade deadline, the Jays made one of their first trade transactions with the St. Louis Cardinals which involved the acquisition of lefty reliever Génesis Cabrera. At the time, Cabrera was struggling mightily for the underachieving Cardinals, so much that the Cardinals actually designated him for assignment prior to the trade. The Jays took full advantage by jumping on the opportunity to add another strong left-handed option to their bullpen, as they had only one sole lefty in Tim Mayza there all season.

The trade has certainly turned out to be one of the most underrated roster transactions made by the Jays during the 2023 season, as Cabrera has re-established some of his previous dominant form once joining his new ballclub. He was actually so impressive and practically unhittable such that it took all the way until September before an opposing team was finally able to score an earned run off of him.

Since joining the Jays, Cabrera has amassed a 1-0 record with six holds, along with a stellar 2.42 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, giving up only six earned runs, as well as six walks and 18 strikeouts in 22.1 innings as of work. He has been so good that many believed that he could probably handle more high leverage situations going forward rather than be just a lefty specialist out of the bullpen. Nevertheless, the addition of Cabrera has more than made up for the losses of Anthony Bass, Zach Pop, and Adam Cimber from the bullpen core during the season, as he looks to continue to be a difference maker for the ballclub.