MLB Trade Deadline: 5 teams that could shape the trade market

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays recently won 11 straight games and now sit a cool two games out of first place in the American League East. They have the most explosive offense in baseball, averaging more than 5.5 runs per game.

However, they have huge holes in their pitching staff.

As of this writing, the Blue Jays only have one active starter with an ERA under 4.00 and they rank 26th in the league with a 4.51 ERA from their starting staff. Add to that a need for a proven closer and the Blue Jays are in a very unique position. They have two, perhaps three holes to fill and difficult decision on how or whether they fill them.

The problem for Toronto is not whether they have the pieces to get a deal done. The Blue Jays are stocked with near-MLB ready arms and some high-ceiling athletes in the lower minors. However, outside of the Josh Donaldson deal with the A’s this winter, Toronto has made ill-advised trades in the past when they thought they were on the cusp. Not much has changed since the 2012-2013 offseason and there are serious questions whether adding pieces will get the Blue Jays over the hump or not.

However, with a 22-year playoff drought, general manager Alex Anthopoulos may need to make a move as a last ditch effort to save his job. A playoff push will certainly help that, but would parting with the immediate future set them back too far if it blows up in their faces?

Toronto could be one of the more intriguing buyers on the market, but that will require them veering off the path a bit and taking a chance.

Next: Are the Astros ready to buy?