The Toronto Blue Jays have completed a trade, sending right-handed reliever Tommy Nance to the Minnesota Twins. In exchange, the Blue Jays will receive prospect Ryan Sprock. The transaction also includes the Blue Jays sending international signing bonus pool space to the Twins.
Nance, a right-handed pitcher, has been a part of the Blue Jays organization for two years. He was acquired from the Padres during the 2024 season. This season, Nance has made 32 appearances for Toronto, recording a 3.82 ERA and a 1.273 WHIP. He has accumulated 34 strikeouts over 33 innings pitched. In 2025, he was a key component of the bullpen, pitching 31.2 innings with a 1.99 ERA.
Sprock, a collegiate prospect, was selected by the Twins in the eighth round of the 2025 draft. The has played various positions within the Twins’ minor-league system, including third base, catcher, and outfield, at both the single-A and high-A levels. He played collegiate baseball at Elon University for three years.
Sprock’s minor league performance and potential
In 67 games, primarily with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in single-A, Sprock has achieved a .297 batting average with an .855 OPS. His offensive statistics also include five home runs and 14 stolen bases. Sprock has shown a strong eye at the plate and a good contact rate as a professional, with 64 walks compared to 52 strikeouts over 374 plate appearances. He has also recorded 21 total extra-base hits.
Sprock’s transition to catcher is relatively recent, but he appears to be adapting well to the position, with some positive reviews regarding his early defensive work. One assessment suggests he could develop into an average catcher. In 65 games for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels this season, Sprock hit .306 with a 144 wRC+, and was named the Florida State League Player of the Month for June, leading to a promotion to high-A.
Impact of the trade for both teams
For the Blue Jays, this move involves acquiring a young player with promising offensive and defensive potential. Nance had been on the roster bubble, having been designated for assignment and brought back earlier this year. With several other right-handed relievers ahead of him on the depth chart, including Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Jeff Hoffman, and Braydon Fisher, the Blue Jays appear to have capitalized on an opportunity to acquire a player they value.
The Twins, who currently rank last in MLB with a 5.28 bullpen ERA, are looking to bolster their relief pitching. Nance is expected to provide immediate support to their bullpen. Despite their struggles in relief, the Twins have been performing well recently and are in contention in the AL Central division, as well as being close to a Wild Card spot. The international bonus pool space received by the Twins is a meaningful amount, indicating the Blue Jays’ motivation to acquire Sprock.
Nance has thrown MLB innings, which is more than most of the current Twins bullpen, with the exception of Taylor Rogers. The trade suggests the Twins are positioning themselves for potential further acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches. The Blue Jays, despite their season’s performance, are only 2.5 games out of a Wild Card berth, and this trade does not necessarily indicate they are becoming sellers at the deadline. Nance’s average leverage index in games this year has been the lowest among current roster members, and he has only entered a high-leverage situation once this season.
Nance is also out of options, meaning the Blue Jays might have had to part with him anyway if they added more relievers before the deadline, potentially for a lesser return. The Blue Jays have faced numerous pitching injuries this season, particularly in their rotation. The trade allows them to turn a low-leverage reliever into a promising young catcher.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
