MLB Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays targeting Martin Prado
By Hayden Kane
The Toronto Blue Jays want to trade for a second baseman or a third baseman. The Arizona Diamondbacks emerge as a logical trade partner, then, because they just so happen to have a second baseman and a third baseman who might be ideal trade targets.
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At second base they have Aaron Hill, a productive player with a bulk of salary left that the Diamondbacks would likely be willing to shed in a deal. At third base they have veteran Martin Prado, also a guy with some money left on his deal who could net the Diamondbacks some prospects in a deal.
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports notes their status as trade chips, specifically with money due after this year.
Aaron Hill ($24MM) and Martin Prado ($22MM) have substantial money due after this year, which has influenced their marketplace.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 5, 2014
While the money might scare teams away, the fact that they are under team control beyond this season, making them more than rentals for one playoff run, might also make them more appealing in a deal.
The Blue Jays have Brett Lawrie on the shelf now, but when the young infielder returns he will be a key piece in the everyday lineup. Where he plays, however, remains very much up in the air and might depend on any trade the Blue Jays make. He will stay at his natural position, third base, if the team adds a second baseman. He will shift over to second full-time if the they add a third baseman.
It sounds like the latter might be the preferred course of action, at least in the case of a deal with the Diamondbacks.
Blue Jays appear to be targeting Martin Prado over Aaron Hill, preferring his positional flexibility (starts at 3B/2B/LF/SS/1B since '12).
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 5, 2014
Blue jays are looking at prado, as @JimBowdenESPNxm said. Fits as 2B/3B/OF but just dipping toes so far.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 5, 2014
As far as the everyday lineup goes, the Blue Jays would likely keep Prado at third where he has been playing in the everyday lineup for the Diamondbacks. Arizona has previously indicated that it would like to keep Prado, but these things are always changing. If they show a willingness to deal him, the Blue Jays will come knocking.