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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 potential landing spots for Christian Yelich

By Joshua Sadlock

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins in action running during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on September 30, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins in action running during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on September 30, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 24: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after scoring against the Texas Rangers in the sixth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 24: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after scoring against the Texas Rangers in the sixth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have a definite need for help in the outfield as Jose Bautista’s time with the club officially comes to an end. The Jays have been linked to free-agent center fielder Lorenzo Cain, but already have a top-notch defender at the position in Kevin Pillar. Cain is still a strong enough defender that he does not need to slide to a corner spot for a younger player. He will find a landing spot where his place in center is guaranteed without a problem.

As the roster currently stands, the Blue Jays are expected to split at-bats in left and right field between Teoscar Hernandez, Steve Pearce and Ezequiel Carrera. Hernandez has upside but is still raw. Pearce offers more power than Carrera, but has had a tough time staying on the field the past two years. An upgrade is needed if the Jays are to contend in 2018.

Toronto is fairly set at the top of their starting rotation with Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada. That is a group that can carry even the most inconsistent offense to the playoffs if they are all healthy. Sanchez, Happ and Estrada were all injured for lengthy stretches last year, and the Jays spent most of the year in the basement of the AL East before the Orioles curled up in the fetal position down the stretch.

The pieces are there for the Blue Jays to make a run at Yelich, but they are very hesitant to deal Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette. Labeling these two “untouchable” is understandable. They have both rocketed up prospect lists. Guerrero and Bichette look like future cornerstones of the Toronto lineup, and the front office will not part with either unless they feel very strongly that Yelich puts them over the top. While a very fine player, I’m not sure Yelich brings enough pop to an aging lineup to jump over the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and back into the playoffs.

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