Blue Jays acquired OF Brett Bateman and INF Ty Southisene from the Cubs for RHP Kevin Gausman.
The Jays have been prioritizing contact over strikeouts these last couple of years, and their prospects of choice here continue the trend. Bateman isn’t quite as skilled at making contact as Southisene, but at least he does offer doubles power with his lefty bat. The 24-year-old was hitting .312/.431/.422 with three homers and 20 steals for Triple-A Iowa this year. As a capable center fielder, he should fit in nicely as a bench bat. The Jays might be inclined to give him a look in the near future if they move Daulton Varsho before the deadline.