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On Monday, the Blue Jays announced that they had acquired Joey Loperfido, along with two other prospects. Going the other way was starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who has been having a difficult season.
The move was widely slammed by Astros fans, who felt that their team was giving up far too much young talent in exchange for an older pitcher. Additionally, an emotional Joey Loperfido appeared in front of the media in the wake of the trade, issuing a teary goodbye to Houston.
While fans in Houston were undoubtedly unhappy to see the 25-year-old rookie leave the team, some new footage showing Loperfido looking content with his new club has assuaged some worries.
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"Joey Loperfido with the Blue Jays" - Michael Schwab
During the Jays' game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Tuesday, Joey Loperfido was spotted fraternizing with his new teammates. The scenes caused Houston fans to wish the Philadelphia-born Loperfido well as he embarks on a journey with a new club.
Among the names invoked by Houston Astros fans was George Springer. A member of the Astros from 2014 until 2020, Springer won the World Series MVP Award with the Astros in 2017 prior to his $150 million 2021 deal with the Jays.
"George Springer will take care of Joey - said one fan
"Take care of him for us , George Springer! - added another
At the time of the trade, Joey Loperfido was hitting .236/.299/.358 with 2 home runs and 16 RBIs in 38 games for the Astros. A seventh-round pick by Houston in 2021, Loperfido was called up after hitting .272 with 13 home runs and 33 RBIs for Triple-A Sugarland earlier this season.
"I think he’s in good hands. Wish him nothing but luck." - wished an observer
"This breaks my heart" - lamented an Astros fan
"He looks good in blue. I hope he does amazing!" - was another parting message
Joey Loperfido's teary farewell to Astros
After the trade with the Toronto Blue Jays was announced, Loperfido caught up with some media, who pressed him about the trade. With less than two months of MLB experience, Loperfido is still young and finding his way. As he told the media:
"I got emotional for sure, just saying goodbye to these guys. Because this place feels like home. I wish everyone could be treated the way I was treated, and coached the way I was coached."
A young and exciting player with a lot of runway left in his career, Jays fans are not the only ones keen to see where the young stud goes next.
