Blue Jays acquire Trent Thornton from Astros for Aledmys Diaz

The Blue Jays have acquired minor leaguer Trent Thornton in a trade with the Astros this afternoon, the team announced on Twitter. In exchange for the right handed pitcher, the Astros will receive infielder Aledmys Diaz.

Thorton was a fifth round pick out of University of North Carolina in 2015. He was the 24th rated prospect in the Astros system. In Triple-A Fresnco this last season, Thorton went 9-8 with a 4.42 ERA in 24 games. If Houston didn’t add the 25 year old to their 40-man by Tuesday, he stood to be snagged in the Rule 5 Draft going down in the beginning of next month.

Diaz is a three year veteran in the show and a versatile force across the infield, utilized most by the Blue Jays at shortstop and third. Last season he slashed .263/.303/.453 with 18 home runs in 130 games. Not only does he provide the Astros with flexibility through the infield, but additional power off of the bench and would serve as a Marwin Gonzalez replacement if Houston can’t broker a deal.

The Blue Jays already have a dense infield, making Diaz both expendable and valuable to a team like the Astros with good young pitching but some vacancies in big spots. This leaves the Astros with five open roster spaces on the 40 man to play with as they please. Come warm your hands by the stove everyone, things are about to get roaring.