Blue Jays acquire Thompson

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired RHP Zach Thompson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for OF Chavez Young. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter

January 10, 2023

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired RHP Zach Thompson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for OF Chavez Young.

Thompson, 29, appeared in 29 games for the Pirates last season, including 22 starts, pitching to a 3-10 record and a 5.18 ERA. Drafted in the fifth round by the Chicago White Sox in 2014, the 6-foot-7, 250-pound righty made his Major League debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021. The Burleson, Texas, native owns a career 4.44 ERA over 55 big-league games and 36 starts.

Young, 25, split his 2022 campaign between Low-A Dunedin and triple-A Buffalo, batting .237 with six doubles, two triples, six home runs, and 22 RBIs over 70 combined games. The switch-hitting outfielder was selected by the Blue Jays in the 39th round of the 2016 draft. Over 472 career Minor League contests, the native of Freeport, Bahamas, has hit .266 while racking up 94 doubles, 27 triples, 31 home runs, and 210 RBI for a .747 OPS.

To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Junior Fernández has been designated for assignment.

In a separate roster move, RHP Julian Merryweather was also designated for assignment.