TRADE: Astros Acquire Journeyman Pitcher From Blue Jays
Robertson, 26, was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays late last week, and rather than risk losing him on waivers, the club found a trade partner in Houston.
To make room for Robertson on the 40-man roster, the Astros moved injured starter Cristian Javier—recovering from Tommy John surgery—to the 60-day injured list. Robertson will report to Triple-A Sugar Land.
OFFICIAL: We’ve traded RHP Nick Robertson to the Astros in exchange for RHP Edinson Batista. pic.twitter.com/H3hWyamZ3B
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 1, 2025
Robertson has seen limited major league action, pitching 35.2 innings over two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Blue Jays. He owns a career 5.30 ERA and 1.570 WHIP, but his strikeout and walk rates—24.8% and 6.8%, respectively—offer some intrigue.
“He’s shown flashes in the past, and we think there’s still untapped potential,” one Astros official told The Athletic. While his 2024 Triple-A numbers were underwhelming, Robertson has previously impressed in the minors, posting a 3.80 ERA and a 29.1% strikeout rate from 2021 to 2023.
The Astros have acquired right-hander Nick Robertson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league righty Edinson Batista. To make room for Robertson on the 40-man roster, Cristian Javier was moved to the 60-day IL. Robertson is in Triple-A Sugar Land
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 1, 2025
In return, the Blue Jays receive Batista, a 22-year-old righty who spent last season with High-A Asheville. Batista made 26 appearances (16 starts), logging 115 innings with a 5.01 ERA and 1.278 WHIP.
He has totaled 277.1 innings across multiple levels since 2021, with a 4.87 ERA and solid strikeout potential, though command remains a concern.
Viewed as a potential depth starter, Batista was labeled “an advanced, athletic, undersized depth starter type” by FanGraphs in 2024.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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