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The Toronto Blue Jays are adding another intriguing young arm to their remodeled starting rotation. Toronto is acquiring right-hander Spencer Arrighetti from the Houston Astros in exchange for outfielder Daulton Varsho, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Brian McTaggart. Mitch Bannon of The Athletic was first to report the developing trade.
The deal remains pending medical reviews, an especially relevant detail because Arrighetti is currently on the 15-day injured list with a foot injury. While Houston is receiving an accomplished defensive outfielder with left-handed power, Toronto is betting on a 26-year-old starting pitcher who has already demonstrated an ability to miss bats at the major league level.
Spencer Arrighetti gives Toronto another controllable starter
Arrighetti went 7-5 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 16 starts for Houston this season. He recorded 87 strikeouts over 68 1/3 innings, continuing to show the swing-and-miss ability that makes him an appealing long-term addition. The right-hander has collected 289 strikeouts over 268 1/3 innings during his three-year MLB career. He has made 52 starts in 53 total appearances, giving Toronto an experienced starter who remains young enough to improve.
Arrighetti has been especially effective at home this season, producing a 3.05 ERA with 44 strikeouts across 41 1/3 innings. Opponents managed only 22 hits against him in those seven outings. His command remains the biggest question. Arrighetti issued 32 walks in 63 1/3 innings against American League opponents this season and has walked 135 batters during his career.
Foot injury adds uncertainty to deadline gamble
Arrighetti’s immediate availability remains unclear after he exited his July 24 start against the Chicago White Sox in the second inning.
The Astros are acquiring Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays for Spencer Arighetti, sources tell me and @brianmctaggart. The deal is pending medicals. @MitchBannon was on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 3, 2026The pitcher recently received an injection in his injured foot and could be cleared to begin a throwing program within days, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara. Before suffering the injury, Arrighetti had experienced an uneven stretch. He allowed three runs while recording only three outs against Chicago, but he limited Baltimore to one run and one hit over five innings in his previous start.
Toronto will need the medical process to confirm that the injury will not disrupt his recovery or long-term value.
MORE: Cubs acquire Braxton Garrett from Marlins in latest pitching move
Blue Jays reshape rotation with another bold move
Arrighetti becomes another significant addition to a changing Toronto rotation. The Blue Jays also reportedly acquired Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels while sending veteran Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs. Those moves suggest Toronto is exchanging established veterans for younger, controllable pitching rather than simply tearing down its roster.
Trading Varsho is a meaningful price, but Arrighetti offers strikeout upside and multiple years of potential rotation value. If he recovers quickly and improves his command, Toronto may have acquired a foundational starter rather than a temporary deadline addition.
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