The Toronto Blue Jays traded for struggling outfielder Myles Straw and $2 million in international signing bonus pool space from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday.
The money could have been used by the Blue Jays in their attempt to sign Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. However, hours later, Sasaki revealed on Instagram that he would be joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions.
Cleveland will send $3.75 million to Toronto to help cover part of the $14.75 million remaining on Straw’s contract for the final two years of his $25 million, five-year deal. In exchange, the Guardians will receive either a player to be named later or cash.
This trade raised the Blue Jays’ international signing pool to $8,261,600. As of Wednesday, when the 2025 signing window opened, the team had not signed any players, leaving the entire amount available for Sasaki.
However, despite their efforts, Sasaki chose to sign with the Dodgers rather than the Blue Jays or San Diego Padres, who were also among the top contenders. Sasaki had until next Thursday to sign with a major league team, and since he is considered an international amateur by MLB, he is only eligible for a minor league contract, which falls under the same bonus pool rules as Latin American prospects.
Los Angeles’ pool of $5,146,200 ranked 29th among the 30 teams, just ahead of Cleveland’s $4,908,600 after the trade. San Diego had a pool of $6,261,000.
The Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Padres had not signed any international amateurs yet, while the Padres had signed only three players, each for $10,000 bonuses. Any bonuses above $10,000 count against the pool.
Straw, who has a salary of $6 million this year and $7 million in 2026, is also guaranteed 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 at the end of 2026.
Cleveland signed Straw to his long-term deal in April 2022, but his performance did not meet expectations. In 2022, he batted just .221 with no home runs, 32 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. In 2023, he improved slightly, hitting .238 with one homer, 29 RBIs, and 20 steals.
Last April, Straw was sent down to Triple-A Columbus, where he hit .240 with three home runs, 47 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. He returned to the big leagues in September, playing in seven games and going 1 for 4.
