Blue Jays trade for Cliff Johnson on this date in 1985
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 12:33 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026

On August 29, 1985, the Toronto Blue Jays traded three minor leaguers to the Texas Rangers for Cliff Johnson. At the time, the Blue Jays were in first place, ahead of the Yankees by 4.5 games, but had struggled at designated hitter. Johnson, who had previously played for the Blue Jays in 1983 and 1984, contributed a.274 batting average in his final month, helping the team reach the playoffs, where they lost to the Kansas City Royals in seven games. The trade was considered low-risk as only one of the three prospects, Matt Williams, made it to the majors briefly.
- •Blue Jays traded three prospects for Cliff Johnson from the Rangers.
- •Team led AL East while addressing designated hitter struggles.
- •Johnson batted.368 in the ALCS against the Royals.
- •Toronto reached the playoffs but lost to Kansas City.
- 12:33 PMYahoo Sports — Today in Blue Jays History: Jays trade for Cliff Johnson
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