The Toronto Blue Jays traded for struggling outfielder Myles Straw and $2 million in international signing bonus pool funds from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday. This money was originally intended to aid the Blue Jays in their pursuit of Roki Sasaki, but the highly sought-after Japanese pitcher revealed hours later on Instagram that he plans to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
In the deal, Cleveland will send $3.75 million to Toronto to help cover part of the $14.75 million that Straw is owed over the final two years of his five-year, $25 million contract. In return, the Guardians will receive either a player to be named later or cash.
With the trade, Toronto’s international signing pool increased to $8,261,600. The team had yet to sign any players since the opening of the 2025 signing window, leaving the full amount available for Sasaki’s signing. However, Sasaki ultimately rejected offers from the Blue Jays and the San Diego Padres, who were considered his other finalists.
Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, has until next Thursday to finalize a deal with an MLB team. As an international amateur, he can only sign a minor league contract, subject to bonus pool restrictions like Latin American prospects.
The Dodgers’ signing pool, at $5,146,200, ranked 29th among MLB teams, just ahead of Cleveland’s pool of $4,908,600 after the trade. San Diego’s pool stood at $6,261,000. Los Angeles and Toronto had not signed any international amateurs, while San Diego had signed three players, each with bonuses under $10,000, which do not count against the pool.
Straw is owed $6 million in 2025, $7 million in 2026, and has a $1.75 million buyout for a 2027 team option. Cleveland will send Toronto $1 million this year, $1 million in 2026, and $1.75 million in late 2026.
Cleveland signed Straw to the long-term contract in April 2022, but his performance has been lackluster. In 2022, he hit .221 with no home runs, 32 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, and followed with a .238 average, one home run, 29 RBIs, and 20 steals in 2023. Straw was sent to Triple-A Columbus in April, where he posted a .240 average with three home runs, 47 RBIs, and 30 steals. He returned to Cleveland in September but went 1-for-4 in seven games.
