Toronto, ON – August 2, 2024
The Toronto Blue Jays have made a series of roster adjustments, headlined by the acquisition of catcher Nick Raposo off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. Raposo has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, joining right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino, who was also sent down to make room for newly acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. Yarbrough comes to the Blue Jays following a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which saw the departure of four-time Gold Glove outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.
Raposo’s Journey in Baseball
Nick Raposo’s baseball journey has been one of perseverance and promise. This season with the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cardinals, Raposo has hit seven home runs, driven in 28 RBIs, walked 15 times, and maintained a batting average of .193. Despite these numbers, Raposo’s potential has been evident throughout his career.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 C Nick Raposo claimed off waivers from the Cardinals and optioned to Triple-A
🔹 RHP Paolo Espino optioned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/1rD5wK0r5m
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 1, 2024
Raposo, a native of Johnston, showcased his talents early on as a standout catcher at Johnston High School before flourishing at Wheaton College. His collegiate success paved the way for his signing with the Cardinals in June 2020. Though this season has been challenging, Raposo’s track record suggests he has the ability to make significant strides.
Recent Roster Movements
The Cardinals designated Raposo for assignment on July 29th to make roster space for right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde, outfielder/designated hitter Tommy Pham, and veteran bullpen pitcher Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Dylan Carlson on July 21st, adds to the Cardinals’ bullpen depth.
Future with the Blue Jays
Raposo is expected to report to Triple-A Buffalo before August 6th. The Blue Jays, having recently traded Danny Jansen to the Boston Red Sox, find reassurance in having additional catching options. At 26, Raposo remains a young player with room for growth. His past performances, including being named player of the game with Memphis on April 26th, highlight his potential. Additionally, his versatility as a designated hitter and a strong 2022 performance, marked by a chase percentage under 25%, underscore his capabilities.
As the Blue Jays continue to strengthen their roster, the addition of Raposo offers promise for the future, potentially providing depth and talent behind the plate as they push forward in their season.
