TEXAS RANGERS ACQUIRE SLOVAKIAN PITCHER ADAM MACKO IN TRADE WITH BLUE JAYS
The Texas Rangers have successfully completed a trade, sending infielder Josh Smith and pitching prospect Josh Stephan to the Toronto Blue Jays in return for left-handed pitcher Adam Macko. This acquisition marks a significant step for the Rangers as they aim to strengthen their pitching lineup.
Adam Macko, who is 25 years old, currently holds a 4.91 earned run average (ERA) over 22 major league appearances. In addition, he has a more commendable 4.09 ERA across 19 games at the Triple-A level this season. Notably, Macko stands out as the first Slovakian player to make an impact in MLB history, having been originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Before joining the Texas Rangers, Macko was part of the Seattle Mariners system where he progressed through their minor leagues, reaching the High-A level. In 2022, he was traded to the Blue Jays in a deal that involved sending Teoscar Hernandez to Seattle. Last season, he spent the majority of his time in High-A, and he is anticipated to start 2024 in Double-A, having played briefly in Triple-A during 2025.
Throughout his career so far, Macko has maintained a 4.55 ERA across all competitive levels, showcasing his potential as a formidable pitcher.
On the other hand, Josh Smith, aged 28, has been having a challenging season, currently holding a batting line of .213/.299/.272 along with one home run and eight runs batted in. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Josh Stephan has a 5.44 ERA over 101 innings pitched in Triple-A, indicating his ongoing development within the sport.
As the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline draws near, set for August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, teams are racing against the clock to finalize trades that could redefine their rosters. Flashscore will continue to provide updates on trade activities throughout the weekend.
