2022 Toronto Blue Jays Trade Deadline: MLB Odds, Futures
The Toronto Blue Jays had sky-high expectations heading into the 2022 season and since the firing of manager Charlie Montoyo earlier in July, they now look like the contender they were expected to be. Blaming Toronto’s average performance on Montoyo isn’t fair, but the point is, the Jays are likely playoff bound.
Toronto won’t catch the Yankees for the AL East crown, but they’re still in a good position as they hold down the top AL wild-card spot. That makes this team a buyer heading into the Aug. 2 trade deadline. Sports Interaction is previewing specific needs the Blue Jays would like to address with their roster as well as potential trade targets and trade chips.
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Needs
Starting pitching is a concern. Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman have been the backbone of the pitching staff, while Ross Stripling has also done his part. Outside of those three names, things get questionable. Hyun-jin Ryu is done for the year and Jose Berrios has played well below his capabilities all year. Yusei Kikuchi has been a disaster and is having a season that’s tough to watch.
The bullpen, which essentially cost Toronto a wild-card spot last year, is once again another major issue. The Jays have ranked in the bottom third of bullpen ERA for most of the season and have blown 17 saves, the fifth-most in the majors. It’s easier said than done, but if the Jays can bring in a starter and move Stripling back to the bullpen, it could be a major boost.
Hitting isn’t an issue for this team. As of July 29, Toronto ranks second in the American League in runs, first in average, first in on-base percentage and first in slugging percentage. And no one will forget the 28-run performance at Fenway last weekend anytime soon. Sorry, Red Sox fans.
Potential Targets
Starting pitching: Cincinatti’s Luis Castillo and Oakland’s Frankie Montas are the best options available. Beyond that, Tyler Mahle (Reds), Jose Quintana (Pirates), Paul Blackburn (A’s), Noah Syndergaard (Angels), and Drew Smyly (Cubs) are also options that would upgrade the rotation.
Bullpen: If Berrios can come back to form and Kikuchi finds a rhythm, targeting an improved bullpen could be more impactful. Picking up relievers is obviously easier than trading for starters and there are plenty of options available, including David Robertson (Cubs), David Bednar (Pirates), Michael Fulmer (Tigers).
Offence: Washington’s Juan Soto is the big fish and definitely a long shot. The Blue Jays don’t need Soto as much as they need to shore up the pitching, but it’s tantalizing to think about teams trying to plan how to pitch to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Soto back-to-back.
Potential Trade Chips
Roster players: As far as roster players go, Cavan Biggio makes the most sense to move in any potential deal. The 27-year-old is hitting well, but he’s not a regular starter when the lineup is healthy, so he’s a player who isn’t crucial to the Jays’ plans and could personally do a lot better with a change of scenery.
Prospects: Catcher Gabriel Moreno and short stop Orelvis Martinez are Toronto’s top prospects. Moreno was listed as the top prospect in baseball in Baseball America’s latest rankings, but he could be expendable with the emergence of All-Star starter Alejandro Kirk. Martinez actually moves between short stop and third base, both areas the Blue Jays aren’t desperate to improve, so he could be an option as well. Moreno and Martinez are both sure-fire prospects who will be productive big league players. Toronto won’t want to move them, but one or both may need to go as the Jays look like they’re ready to go all-in.
