The Toronto Blue Jays made a roster call two years ago that looks a whole lot different now.
Back in February of 2024, just before training camp opened, Toronto signed Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez to a five-year, $32 million deal. To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated Otto Lopez for assignment.
At the time, it made sense. Toronto needed pitching help. But the move has aged poorly, because Lopez has turned into a real force for the Miami Marlins.
MLB.com recently listed Lopez as one of eight players in the league who have soared way past expectations in 2026. He was projected for a 2.5 fWAR and a .710 OPS this season. Instead, the 27-year-old shortstop has delivered a 4.5 fWAR and an OPS close to .800, while earning his first All-Star nod.
That kind of breakout makes Toronto’s decision look even tougher in hindsight. Lopez had already been showing signs of life in the Blue Jays’ system, batting close to .300 in the minors. He also flashed in a brief look with Toronto, where he hit .600 with a 1.236 OPS, collecting six hits and three RBIs in 11 plate appearances across nine games.
Lopez eventually landed with the San Francisco Giants, but he was designated for assignment again and then claimed off waivers by the Marlins in April of that same year. That move finally gave him the runway he needed in the majors.
Since arriving in Miami in 2024, Lopez has put together a strong three-year run: a .274 batting average, .718 OPS, 190 runs scored, 30 home runs, 170 RBIs and 59 stolen bases in 383 games. This season, he has gone even higher, setting career bests in average (.308), OPS (.792), runs scored (75), doubles (29), triples (7), stolen bases (24) and total bases (222), with more than a month and a half still left to play.
For the Blue Jays, Lopez looks like exactly the kind of hitter who could have fit near the top of the lineup, getting on base and setting the table for the middle of the order. Instead, Toronto is left with Rodríguez, whose path has gone the other way. He moved from starter in 2024 to reliever in 2025, and is now in the minors in the Blue Jays organization this year.
Rodríguez also struggled in his limited major league work in Toronto in 2026, putting up a 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP in 10 appearances before being designated for assignment in June. He is currently on the 60-day IL with an undisclosed injury.
For Toronto, the contrast is hard to ignore. Lopez is thriving in Miami, and the Blue Jays are stuck wondering what might have been.
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