Abraham Toro

Abraham Toro
Toro in 2014
Free agent
Third baseman / Second baseman / First baseman
Born: (1996-12-20) December 20, 1996 (age 27)
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 22, 2019, for the Houston Astros
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.220
Home runs34
Runs batted in134
Teams

Abraham Josue Toro-Hernandez (born December 20, 1996) is a Canadian professional baseball third baseman, second baseman and first baseman who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics. He was selected by the Astros in the fifth round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft and made his MLB debut for them in 2019. He was traded to the Mariners during the 2021 season, to the Brewers after the 2022 season, and to the Athletics after the 2023 season.

Amateur career

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Toro attended Polyvalente Édouard-Montpetit High School and Vanier College in Montreal. He then attended Seminole State College in Seminole, Oklahoma to play college baseball, following the same path as fellow French-Canadian baseball player Éric Gagné.[1] In 2016, his only season at Seminole, he hit .439 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs over 55 games.[2][3]

Professional career

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Houston Astros

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Toro was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.[4] He signed with the Astros with a $250,000 signing bonus[1] and made his professional debut with the Greeneville Astros, batting .254 with 19 RBIs in 44 games.[5] He began 2017 with the Tri-City ValleyCats before being promoted to the Quad Cities River Bandits in late July.[6][7][8] In 69 games between the two clubs, he hit .246 with 15 home runs and 33 RBIs.[9] In 2018, he began the year with the Buies Creek Astros, with whom he was named a Carolina League All-Star,[10] and was promoted to the Corpus Christi Hooks in July. For the season, Toro slashed .247/.345/.435 with 16 home runs and 78 RBIs in 133 games.[11] After the season, he played in the Arizona Fall League.[12][13] He returned to Corpus Christi to begin 2019,[14] earning Texas League All-Star honors.[15][16] After slashing .306/.393/.513 with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs over 98 games, Toro was promoted to the Round Rock Express[17] and hit .424/.506/.606 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 16 games for them.[18]

On August 22, 2019, the Astros selected Toro's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.[19] He made his major league debut that night against the Detroit Tigers, playing third base and going 0-for-4.[20] He had his first MLB hit the next day, a single off José Suárez of the Los Angeles Angels.[21] On September 1, playing in his home country of Canada, Toro hit a two-out, two-run in the top of the ninth inning to break a scoreless tie. In the bottom of the inning, he fielded the final out of the game to complete Justin Verlander’s third career no-hitter.[22][23][24] For Houston in 2019, Toro hit .218/.303/.385 with two home runs and nine RBIs over 25 games.[25]

In the shortened 2020 season with the Astros, Toro batted .149/.237/.276 with 13 runs, three home runs, and nine RBIs over 87 at bats, and was hit by a pitch seven times, tied for fourth in the American League.[26] In 35 games for the Astros in 2021, Toro slashed .211/.287/.385 with six home runs and 20 RBIs.[27] He hit a home run in each of his last two games with Houston.[28]

Seattle Mariners

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On July 27, 2021, the Astros traded Toro and relief pitcher Joe Smith to the Seattle Mariners for relievers Rafael Montero and Kendall Graveman.[29] The two teams were in the midst of a series against each other, and Toro was informed of the news as he was taking batting practice for Houston. After learning he had been traded, he went to the Seattle dugout, put on his new uniform, and resumed warming up. In the ninth inning of that night's game, Toro was put in as a pinch hitter and hit a two-run home run against Ryan Pressly,[30] making him the first player in MLB history to homer for a team and against the same team in consecutive games.[31] The next day, Toro homered for the fourth straight game.[32]

On August 31, with the Mariners again facing the Astros, Toro came to bat against Graveman in the eighth inning of a scoreless game with the bases loaded, and, on the eighth pitch of the at-bat, hit a 413-foot home run for his first career grand slam. The homer accounted for all the runs scored in a Mariners win and put the team 3.5 games out of the second wild card playoff seed with 29 games remaining.[33] Toro finished the 2021 season with a batting average of .239, 11 home runs, and 46 RBIs (all career highs). With the Mariners, he posted a slash line of .252/.328/.367, hit five home runs, scored 28 runs, and drove in 26.[27]

Toro began the 2022 season with the Mariners as a part-time utility player.[34] On May 21, he collided with right fielder Adam Frazier and suffered a left shoulder sprain, sending Toro to the injured list.[35] He was activated on June 1. During the summer, Toro had late, clutch hits against the Baltimore Orioles,[36] Oakland Athletics,[37] and Houston Astros,[38] before he was sent to the minor leagues on August 6 to open up a roster spot for Mitch Haniger to return from injury.[39] Toro was recalled on August 30, and one day later hit a 403-foot go-ahead home run against the Detroit Tigers in a win which put the Mariners a season-high 14 games over .500.[40] Toro ended the season with a .185 batting average and 10 home runs in a career-high 109 games.[27]

Milwaukee Brewers

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On December 2, 2022, the Mariners traded Toro and Jesse Winker to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Kolten Wong.[41] Toro agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Brewers for the 2023 season, avoiding salary arbitration.[42] The Brewers optioned Toro to the Triple–A Nashville Sounds to begin the 2023 season.[43] He was called up to Milwaukee on May 30 to replace Winker, who was placed on the injured list.[44] His first hit for the Brewers was a two-run homer in a 4–2 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays, his third home run in seven games played in his home country of Canada.[45] Toro got four hits in eight at-bats and drove in five runs while with the Brewers but was sent back to Triple–A on June 14.[46] He was recalled on July 26, following another Winker injury.[47] He started three games for the Brewers, going 4 for 10 with one three-run home run[48] before being sent back to Nashville on August 3. He was called back up to the Brewers from August 11 to August 19, drawing a walk in his only plate appearance during that stretch. In a brief 21 plate appearances over 9 games with the Brewers, Toro hit .444/.524/.778, one of the most productive stretches of his career.[49][50] He also played 96 games in Nashville in 2023, leading the Sounds in hits, doubles, and walks.[51]

Oakland Athletics

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On November 15, 2023, the Brewers traded Toro to the Oakland Athletics for minor league pitcher Chad Patrick.[52] On November 17, the Athletics signed Toro to a one-year, $1.275 million contract.[53] He played in 94 games for Oakland in 2024, slashing .240/.293/.350 with six home runs, 26 RBI, and four stolen bases. His offense swooned in the second half of the season, with a .433 OPS in his final 21 games.[54] Toro was designated for assignment by the Athletics on August 27. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Las Vegas Aviators the next day.[55] Toro elected free agency on October 15.[56]

International baseball

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Toro played for Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He played third base in all four of Canada's games, batting 5 for 15 with three RBI, two walks, and three strikeouts.[57] His most productive game was Canada's 18–8 mercy rule win over Great Britain, when he went 2 for 4 with a double and three RBI.[58]

Personal life

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Toro is French-Canadian. His parents, Douglas and Natalie, are of Venezuelan descent. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, and French.[1][59]

Toro's older brother Douglas Toro played baseball, including for the Québec Capitales of the Can-Am League.[60] As a child, Abraham was the bat boy for Douglas' junior team, the Ducs de Longueuil. Both brothers also attended the Académie de Baseball du Canada, which is where Abraham became a switch hitter.[61]

As a child, Toro and his father enjoyed watching Venezuelan shortstop Omar Vizquel.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Kaplan, Jake (February 20, 2019). "The French-Canadian-Venezuelan who's become an under-the-radar Astros prospect". The Athletic. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  2. ^ Kyle, Brad (October 11, 2018). "AFL Astros 2018: Abraham Toro-Hernandez, The Most Interesting Man On The Diamond". The Runner Sports. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  3. ^ McTaggart, Brian (June 10, 2016). "Toro-Hernandez brings power, versatility to Astros". MLB.com. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  4. ^ Verdejo, Angel (June 11, 2016). "Astros mine junior college talent to inject youth into system". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  5. ^ Berman, Mark (June 12, 2016). "Astros reach contract agreements with three top draft picks". Fox 26 Houston. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  6. ^ Singelais, Mark (June 16, 2017). "Tri-City ValleyCats ready to begin path to majors". Times Union. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  7. ^ Batterson, Steve (August 16, 2017). "Delayed arrival benefits Bandits' Toro-Hernandez". Quad-City Times. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  8. ^ Achenbach, Brian (August 10, 2017). "Toro-Hernandez nabs Astros' Minor League honor". The Dispatch–Argus. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  9. ^ Gariepy, Marc-Antoine (May 15, 2018). "Meet our Ambassadors: Abraham Toro". b45baseball.com. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  10. ^ Baxley, Rodd (June 11, 2018). "Buies Creek Astros land 4 on Carolina League All-Star roster". The Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  11. ^ Jones, Sonny (January 26, 2019). "Woodpeckers: 68 days and counting - 15 from Creek in Astros' camp". The Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  12. ^ Mitchell, Bill (October 30, 2018). "Abraham Toro Benefits From Arizona Fall League Stint". Baseball America. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  13. ^ Boor, William (November 10, 2018). "Astros' Toro trending up after big day in AFL". MLB.com. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  14. ^ Rome, Chandler (March 27, 2019). "Astros set minor league rosters to begin 2019 season". San Antonio Express-News. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  15. ^ Hayward, Len (July 6, 2019). "Corpus Christi Hooks' infielder Abraham Toro back on track after rough June". Corpus Christi Caller Times. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  16. ^ Hayward, Len (June 14, 2019). "Texas League All-Star Game: Four Hooks earn spots on South team". Corpus Christi Caller Times. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  17. ^ RotoWire Staff (August 1, 2019). "Astros' Abraham Toro: Promoted to Triple-A". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  18. ^ "Abraham Toro Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  19. ^ Rome, Chandler (August 22, 2019). "Astros call up utilityman Abraham Toro from Triple-A". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  20. ^ "Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros Box Score, August 22, 2019". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  21. ^ "Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros Box Score: August 23, 2019". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  22. ^ Rome, Chandler (August 30, 2019). "Astros' Abraham Toro makes return to Canada - Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  23. ^ Horrobin, Jordan (September 1, 2019). "Abraham Toro homers in Justin Verlander no-hitter". MLB.com. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  24. ^ Dansby, Andrew (September 1, 2019). "Abraham Toro's heroics lift Justin Verlander, Astros to history". HoustonChronicle.com. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  25. ^ Hinkson, Kamila (October 1, 2019). "Big home runs and champagne showers: Abraham Toro's 'crazy' start to MLB career". CBC.ca. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  26. ^ "2020 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  27. ^ a b c "Abraham Toro Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  28. ^ "Abraham Toro 2021 batting game logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  29. ^ "Astros trade for Graveman, Montero from M's". July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  30. ^ "Abraham Toro belts a two-run homer to right field". MLB.com. July 27, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  31. ^ Talbott, Chris (July 28, 2021). "Abraham Toro homers late for new team, but Astros hold on to win". Houston Chronicle. Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  32. ^ "Astros vs. Mariners - Game Recap - July 28, 2021". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 28, 2021. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  33. ^ Kramer, Daniel. "Abra-slam Toro! Mariners shock Astros". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  34. ^ Divish, Ryan (March 22, 2022). "Mariners utility player Abraham Toro off to hot start in spring games". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  35. ^ Gonzalez, Ty Dane (June 1, 2022). "Positive Injury Updates on Abraham Toro, Erik Swanson as Mariners Seek Reinforcements". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  36. ^ Kerr, Byron (June 3, 2022). "Toro, Castillo step up to seal Mariners' series win". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  37. ^ Kramer, Daniel (July 3, 2022). "Team effort adds up to much-needed walk-off vs. A's". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  38. ^ Perez, Edwin (July 31, 2022). "Who else? Toro strikes again vs. former team Astros". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  39. ^ Kramer, Daniel (August 9, 2022). "Here's how Seattle might handle roster crunch". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  40. ^ Kramer, Daniel (September 1, 2022). "Late-inning monster Toro comes up big again". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  41. ^ "Mariners land 2B Wong in trade with Brewers". ESPN.com. December 2, 2022.
  42. ^ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  43. ^ "Brewers' Abraham Toro: Sent to Triple-A". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  44. ^ "Brewers place OF/DH Jesse Winker on injured list, recall IF Abraham Toro". AP NEWS. May 30, 2023. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  45. ^ HARRISON, IAN (June 1, 2023). "Abraham Toro has memorable first hit for Brewers". Wisconsin State Journal. Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  46. ^ "Brewers' Abraham Toro: Heads back to minors". CBSSports.com. RotoWire. June 14, 2023. Archived from the original on June 24, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  47. ^ "Brewers place Winker (back) on IL, recall Toro". ESPN.com. Reuters. July 26, 2023. Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  48. ^ "Abraham Toro' belts a three-run home run (2) to right | 07/28/2023". MLB.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  49. ^ "Abraham Toro 2023 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  50. ^ "Abraham Toro's 9-Game Rolling wOBA". FanGraphs Baseball. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  51. ^ "2023 Nashville Sounds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  52. ^ Rosiak, Todd (November 15, 2023). "Brewers trade possible non-tender candidate Abraham Toro to the Oakland A's". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  53. ^ "Athletics agree to 1-year deals with infielders Andujar, Toro". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  54. ^ "Abraham Toro 2024 Batting Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  55. ^ McDonald, Darragh (August 28, 2024). "Athletics Outright Abraham Toro". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  56. ^ Franco, Anthony (October 15, 2024). "Eight Players Elect Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  57. ^ "World Baseball Classic Stats Canada". MLB.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  58. ^ "MLB Gameday: Great Britain 8, Canada 18 Final Score (03/12/2023)". MLB.com. March 12, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  59. ^ Brodeur, Garrett (April 11, 2019). "Abraham Toro: Lesson learned? Only time will tell". Diamond Digest. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  60. ^ "Douglas Toro Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  61. ^ Gordon, Sean. "From a Montreal suburb to The Show: Abraham Toro's road to MLB — and how others might follow it". The Athletic. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
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