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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Blue Jays should make

By Parker Hurley

Jul 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Kintzler (53) pitches in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Kintzler (53) pitches in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brandon Kintzler

The Twins moved Kintzler into the closer role a few weeks ago, which by all accounts is essentially a way to show off their trade piece. The Twins would be crazy to hold onto Kintzler through the deadline, and the Jays would be crazy not to call and see what the price is.

As mentioned, the bullpen is the true flaw of the Blue Jays right now. They have shuffled around the back end, and are really just looking for another consistent arm to join Jason Grilli and Roberto Osuna.

Kintzler is having a career year in 2016, and recently converted on all five of his save attempts. The Blue Jays do not need him as a closer, but to see that he is able to handle the pressure and the duties that come with it can give you confidence in him moving forward.

He is under team control through the 2017 season, which really should not be looked at as a big concern, and may be a positive. The Jays will be losing a few other arms via free agency and to know that Kintzler is coming back would be a nice positive.

Kintzler may not get the Twins their highest return on the market. That said, he will be popular, and the Blue Jays should certainly be a team that is calling. They are hitting their biggest area of need, and finding a way to patch it up without breaking the bank on a huge name like Aroldis Chapman.

Next: 3. Will Smith

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