The Blue Jays have traded swingman Adam Macko to the Texas Rangers for utility infielder Josh Smith and prospect Josh Stephan, per Ben Nicholson-Smith:
Macko, the first Slovak MLB player since the retirement of Elmer Valo in 1961, appeared in /2 games this season for the Jays, posting a 4.91 ERA and 23 strikeouts against 10 walks in 22.0 innings. He
profiles as a swing man or potential fifth starter if he’s able to stay healthy and refine his command.
Smith, who turns 29 on Friday, was functionally an everyday player during the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Rangers, splitting time all over the infield. He’s fallen out of the lineup this season due to some struggles at the plate, but when he’s on can provide slightly above average hitting based on a solid OBP that makes up for limited power along with below average but passable defence anywhere on the dirt or in left field.
Stephan, 24, is a right handed starter in AAA. He has plus command of pretty mediocre stuff, relying heavily on spotting his lone above average pitch, a slider, around the zone. He’s gotten hit a bit at Round Rock, posting a 5.41 ERA, but his 97:31 K:BB ratio shows some promise and he’ll probably join the up and down mix at the back of the Jays’ 40-man roster in a similar role to what Macko had this season.
Happy trails to Macko, and welcome to the Josh S.s
