The Rangers are moving a familiar utility piece in a deal that sends Josh Smith to Toronto, along with minor-league right-hander Josh Stephan, in exchange for left-hander Adam Macko, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
Smith’s name carries plenty of weight in Texas. The 28-year-old was a Silver Slugger winner in 2024 and helped the Rangers win the 2023 World Series, but he’s been stuck in Triple-A during an injury-riddled 2026 season. A glute strain, wrist inflammation and a bout of viral meningitis have limited him to just 45 major-league games this year.
If and when Smith gets back to the majors with the Blue Jays, Toronto will be getting a left-handed bat with real defensive range. He has started at least one game at every position except catcher, giving the Jays a versatile option to deploy all over the diamond. Smith’s award-winning 2024 season included a .258/.337/.394 line with 13 homers, 62 RBIs and 11 steals.
Stephan, 24, has not reached the majors yet. The Grand Prairie, Texas native has worked in 21 appearances, 19 of them starts, for Triple-A Round Rock this season and has posted a 5.44 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 97 strikeouts.
Toronto’s return is Macko, a 25-year-old left-hander who was born in Slovakia and raised in Vauxhall, Alberta. He made his big-league debut this year, though he’s currently back in Triple-A. In 22 relief outings for the Blue Jays, Macko has put up a 4.91 ERA, 4.55 FIP and 1.55 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks.
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