35 years ago today, the Blue Jays made a significant trade, sending Jesse Barfield to the Yankees for Al Leiter, marking a shift in the team's outfield dynamics.

By the Numbers
  • Jesse Barfield had 40 home runs in 1986, 27 in the year before, and 28 in the year after the trade.
  • Al Leiter, a promising 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, faced multiple injuries and setbacks during his initial seasons with the Jays.
Yes, But

The trade did not result in significant success for either team, with both the Blue Jays and the Yankees facing challenges and lackluster performances post-trade.

State of Play
  • Blue Jays finished first in the AL East in 1989 and 1991, winning World Series titles in 1992 and 1993 despite Leiter not contributing significantly.
  • The trade was part of a series of player movements that eventually led to the acquisition of valuable assets like Devon White, enhancing the team's performance.
Bottom Line

The trade between Jesse Barfield and Al Leiter did not yield the expected outcomes for either team, showcasing the unpredictable nature of player transactions in baseball history.