Blue Jays trade beloved all-star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to Mariners

The Toronto Blue Jays have traded outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Erik Swanson and Adam Macko.

Hernadez spent six seasons in Toronto and won Silver Slugger awards in both 2020 and 2021, and was a finalist this season. The Silver Slugger is awarded to the best offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues.

He also represented the Jays at the 2021 all-star game.

"We began our off-season with the intent to add impact and length to our lineup," Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "In adding Teoscar to an already solid foundation, we feel we've become a far more dangerous offensive club."

Hernandez is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2023 season.

Macko, a 21-year-old from Bratislava, Slovakia, made eight starts for advanced-A Everett in 2022, posting a 3.99 ERA while racking up 60 strikeouts across 38.1 innings. The No. 8 prospect in the Mariners organization was placed on the injured list on June 3, where he spent the remainder of the season.

The left-hander has made 26 minor league appearances (19 starts) across three seasons in the Mariners organization (2019, '21-22), going 2-7 with a 3.98 ERA and 148 strikeouts.

Macko attended Vauxhall High School in Vauxhall, Alta., before he was selected in the seventh round of the MLB draft by the Mariners in 2019.

He has permanent resident status in Canada after living in Stony Plain, Alta., for six years. He was introduced to baseball in Grade 1 when he hit balls off a tee for the first time at his elementary school in Slovakia.

OFFICIAL: We've acquired RHP Erik Swanson and LHP Adam Macko from the Mariners in exchange for OF Teoscar Hernández. <br><br>Welcome