The Toronto Blue Jays added pitcher Angel Bastardo from the Boston Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday, but his skill set is not what fans are focusing on.
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith was the first to report the transaction.
Blue Jays select RHP Angel Bastardo from the Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 11, 2024
Meanwhile, Jays fans in the replies had more to say about Bastardo’s surname than what he brings to the infield.
Translating to “bastard” in Spanish, the right-handed pitcher’s name sparked a flood of memes and jokes on social media.
“Name will be fun to say, so I approve of this transaction,” wrote one user.
Name will be fun to say, so I approve of this transaction.
— Tape Delay (@lagging3k) December 11, 2024
Another said they already wanted to buy his jersey.
Bastard-o! Get me that jersey!
— Jay Smith (@jaysmitty519) December 11, 2024
More replies poured in once the Jays made the signing official.
— Roger (@TheXIIK) December 11, 2024
— ElronLP (@ElronWins) December 11, 2024
The jersey sales ⬆️⬆️⬆️
— 🇺🇲 Jordan Iverson 🇨🇦 (@MidGround_) December 11, 2024
Some fans even poked fun at the name of the 22-year-old’s hometown in Venezuela, adding more fuel to the fire.
Nobody look up his hometown
— scooter (@broncobuddy51) December 11, 2024
A guy named Angel Bastardo being from a town called Moron is impressive work https://t.co/zezK7vLekQ
— Cake McJabe (@LeBronMaclean) December 11, 2024
While Bastardo’s on-field impact is still unknown, his name has already made him a fan favourite in Toronto.
Unfortunately for those hoping to grab a Bastardo jersey, the official MLB Shop’s website blocks customizations featuring his surname. They seem to consider it a swear word, stating: “We are unable to customize this item with the text you have entered. Please try a different entry.”
MLB Shop
The 6-foot-1 Venezuelan won’t be making his Blue Jays debut anytime soon, though, as he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season.
The Rule 5 Draft, held annually in December, allows teams to select eligible players from other organizations if they have open spots on their 40-man roster. Bastardo, who has spent the past few seasons with Boston’s minor league affiliates, was Toronto’s choice this year.