If you’re still thinking about the Arizona Diamondbacks vs Toronto Blue Jays as just another interleague series, you’re honestly missing the biggest story in baseball over the last few years. It’s not just about the distance between Phoenix and Ontario.
It’s about the trade.
Yeah, that trade. The 2022 blockbuster that sent Daulton Varsho north while Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. headed to the desert. Since that day, every single time these two teams meet, it feels like a referendum on who won the deal.
The weird thing? Everybody won.
The Trade That Never Stops Giving
Baseball trades are usually supposed to have a loser. One team gets the prospect that fizzles out, and the other gets the superstar. But the Diamondbacks vs Toronto Blue Jays swap from late 2022—Daulton Varsho for Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.—defied the laws of physics.
Arizona got a franchise catcher in Moreno. He’s basically become the heart of their defense. In 2025, his offensive numbers spiked even higher, with a 117 wRC+ that made him one of the most dangerous hitters at his position. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays got the best defensive outfielder in the league. Varsho was a monster in 2025, racking up 10 Defensive Runs Saved in just a half-season of work after returning from shoulder surgery.
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But the 2026 season brings a fresh wrinkle.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was a massive part of the D-backs' run to the 2023 World Series, is coming off a brutal ACL tear suffered late in 2025. He’s going to miss a huge chunk of this season. It changes the dynamic. When the Jays visit Chase Field this April, that "familiar faces" vibe will feel a little more bittersweet for Arizona fans.
Why the 2026 Matchup Hits Different
The schedule makers didn't wait long. We’ve got a three-game set at Chase Field starting April 17, 2026.
The Blue Jays are arriving in Phoenix with a massive new weapon. They just dropped $60 million on Kazuma Okamoto, the Japanese star who spent 2025 absolutely torching the ball (he had a .992 OPS in 77 games). Watching him adjust to MLB pitching in a stadium like Chase Field is going to be something else.
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Arizona hasn't been sitting on their hands, though.
In a move that shocked basically everyone this January, the D-backs traded Jack Martinez to the Cardinals to bring in Nolan Arenado. Think about that. A lineup featuring Arenado, Ketel Marte, and Corbin Carroll. It’s a lot.
Here’s how the head-to-head looks lately:
- In June 2025, the Jays took two out of three in Toronto.
- The Jays won the first two games 5-4 and 8-1.
- Arizona salvaged the finale with a 9-5 win thanks to some late-inning heroics from Shelby Miller.
Historically, Toronto has held the upper hand. They've won 6 of the last 9 meetings across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. But with Arenado in the desert and Okamoto in the 6ix, those old stats kinda feel like they belong in a different era.
Pitching Chaos and Young Arms
You can't talk about the Diamondbacks vs Toronto Blue Jays without looking at the mound. Zac Gallen is a free agent, which leaves a massive hole in the Arizona rotation. The pressure is now squarely on Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson to step up.
Keep an eye on Hayden Durke.
He’s the D-backs' prospect everyone is whispering about. The kid throws absolute gas. If he makes the roster out of spring training, he might be the secret weapon Arizona needs to shut down a Toronto lineup that likely includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander.
On the Toronto side, Kevin Gausman and José Berríos remain the anchors. They’re veteran, they’re consistent, and they know how to navigate the hitter-friendly air in Phoenix. But the Jays' bullpen has been a bit of a roller coaster. They recently signed Jonathan Loáisiga to a minor league deal for 2026, hoping he can rediscover that high-leverage magic.
The "Discovery" Factor: What to Watch For
If you're heading to Chase Field or Rogers Centre for these games, keep these specific things in mind:
- The Varsho/Moreno Reunion: It’s been three years, but the crowd still gets loud. Moreno is the gold standard for young catchers right now.
- Nolan Arenado’s New Home: Seeing Arenado in a D-backs jersey after years of him killing them as a Rockie is still surreal.
- Kazuma Okamoto's Power: Can his swing transition to the NL West? Early spring reports suggest yes.
- Shortstop Uncertainty: Bo Bichette’s status was the talk of the winter, with rumors of meetings with the Phillies. How the Jays handle the middle infield if he leaves will be the story of the series.
Actionable Strategy for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking to get the most out of the Diamondbacks vs Toronto Blue Jays series in 2026, you need to look past the surface-level stats.
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- Check the Roof Status: At Chase Field, the ball carries differently depending on whether the roof is open or closed. If it’s closed and the AC is cranking, pitching usually gets a slight edge.
- Watch the First Inning: Both these teams have a tendency to jump on starters early. In 2025, a high percentage of their head-to-head runs were scored in the first three innings.
- Target the Bullpens: Toronto’s relief core has been shaky in high-leverage situations. If the D-backs can keep it close until the 7th, they usually have the advantage with their late-inning specialists.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride for both franchises. One is trying to cement a new dynasty with veteran stars, and the other is hoping their "trade of the decade" continues to pay dividends. Either way, when these two meet, it’s rarely a boring game.
Keep your eyes on the April 17th series opener. It’s going to set the tone for the entire year for both clubs.