The Toronto Blue Jays are wasting no time giving one of their deadline additions a shot in the big leagues.
Outfielder Brett Bateman, now Toronto’s No. 20 prospect for 2026 on MLB Pipeline, has been called up after only two games in the organization. The 24-year-old was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs, and he’s in the lineup Friday for his MLB debut, starting in center field and batting ninth.
Bateman is part of a busy debut day for Toronto. Former Los Angeles Angels right-hander José Soriano is also taking the ball for the Blue Jays on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, arriving in the deadline move that sent Toronto shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala to Los Angeles.
For a team that reached the World Series last year, 2026 has gone in a much rougher direction. Toronto sits at the bottom of the American League East at 54-62, but Friday offers a look at a pair of new faces as the Blue Jays try to piece together the rest of the season.
Bateman was originally a Cubs draft pick, taken in the eighth round in 2023. That same draft saw Chicago select new Detroit Tigers prospect Zyhir Hope in the 11th round. Bateman’s game has been built more around speed and defense than pop, though he has held his own at the plate this year.
In 84 Triple-A games in 2026, Bateman posted a .311 average, a .429 on-base percentage and an .845 OPS, along with three home runs, 33 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. After the trade to Toronto, he appeared in just two games for Triple-A Buffalo before getting the call to the majors.
With Daulton Varsho dealt to the Houston Astros at the deadline, the Blue Jays have an opening in center field. Bateman now has a chance to turn that opportunity into regular playing time, starting with his debut on Friday.
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