BALTIMORE—A year ago, the Blue Jays arrived in Baltimore navigating what would become one of the biggest trade-deadline purges in franchise history. They returned on Monday as one of Major League Baseball’s most aggressive shoppers.
The Jays dealt left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to Houston for a package of prospects on July 29 last year. Earlier in the week, they traded relievers Yimi Garcia and Nate Pearson, catcher Danny Jansen and designated hitter Justin Turner. More moves followed.
It was a spot nobody in the organization wanted to be in. So prospects close to the majors were prioritized with the purpose of retooling and contending the following season. At the time, that notion seemed far-fetched, but the Jays entered this series against the Orioles with a Major League baseball-leading 63-43 record.
“Sitting in this exact chair last year, was not fun,” Jays manager John Schneider said for Oriole Park. ” It’s way more fun this year. Everyone kind of knew the reality of (2024), but it was still a little bit tense.”
It’s stressful this year too, but for different reasons. The Jays are expected to make at least a couple additions this week and that leads to excitement from the majority of the clubhouse, and apprehension from those whose jobs might not be secure.
If the Jays target a starting pitcher, it would have to be a front-line piece or someone with multiple years of club control. The Jays already have a competent staff in the form of Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José BerrÃos, Max Scherzer and Eric Lauer, with the injured Alek Manoah expected to return at some point in August.
The issue is that there aren’t a lot of high-end guys available. Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan will be difficult to pry away from Minnesota. Veteran Seth Lugo just re-upped with Kansas City. Washington is reportedly seeking a king’s ransom for lefty Mackenzie Gore.
Guest: É«É«À² Blue Jays Manager John Schneider
The more readily available arms don’t move the needle. Zac Gallen has struggled for Arizona, although teammate Merrill Kelly could still be an option. Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara hasn’t been himself since elbow surgery. Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller is signed through 2028, but he might not be much better than what the Jays already have.
Top prospects Arjun Nimmala and Trey Yesavage, possibly even arms like Khal Stephen and Kendry Rojas, shouldn’t be moved in those deals. But if the Jays can turn a package of Alan Roden, Orelvis Martinez and Yohendrick Panago into someone like Miami’s Edward Cabrera (4-4, 3.48 ERA), as suggested by FanGraphs on Monday, it’s something they would have to consider.
“I feel really good about them, you know what you’re going to get,” Schneider said of his current starters. “They’re reliable, they’re veterans, they’re durable, knock on wood. (We’re) pretty happy with that group.”
Acquiring at least a couple arms for the bullpen appears more certain. Atkins has acquired relievers at the deadline in every season the Jays have been contenders. Unfortunately, Seattle, the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, the New York Yankees, Detroit and Philadelphia are among those trying to do the same.
One big bullpen arm came off the board on Monday when Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase was placed on paid leave as part of a betting investigation.
But there are plenty of other big names. St. Louis’s Ryan Helsley, who is a pending free agent, appears to be a perfect fit. It was only a couple years ago that the Jays acquired setup man Jordan Hicks from the Cardinals in a deadline deal. Pittsburgh’s David Bednar, Atlanta’s Raisel Iglesias, Los Angeles’ Kenley Jansen and Tampa Bay’s Pete Fairbanks are among the other closers rumoured to be available.
Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran and Sacramento’s Mason Miller could move, too, but with multiple years of control remaining they won’t be cheap.
É«É«À² clinched season series with Yankees and Tigers while taking over the top spot in Major
The position player market isn’t as enticing. Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez is by far the best bat available. After that the talent dries up quickly unless the Guardians decide to move outfielder Steven Kwan or another team makes a surprise move.
From a Jays perspective, it would be tempting to go all in to acquire an ace or another elite bat. Assuming neither is attainable, it would be wise to use lower-level prospects and fringe major-leaguers to beef up the bullpen instead.
With nearly two-thirds of the league still believing they have a shot at the playoffs, this a seller’s market. The Jays benefitted from a similar situation last year. This week, they get to feel what it’s like to be on the other side.
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