MLB rumors: 5 players the Toronto Blue Jays need to trade for

MLB rumors: 5 players the Blue Jays need to trade for

TORONTO, ON - MAY 11: Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after three quality defensive plays were made behind him in the field to end the first inning during MLB game action against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on May 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 30: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves runs during the game against the San Diego Padres at SunTrust Park on April 30, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

4. Brian McCann

The Blue Jays parted ways with Russell Martin in the offseason, trading the veteran catcher to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Instead, they counted on rookie Danny Jansen to play behind the plate this season. That experiment, however, hasn’t worked out so far. Jansen is hitting just .169 with no home runs in 29 games. His backup, Luke Maile, is hitting just .152.

That leaves the Blue Jays in need of an experienced catcher who could provide some more power out of the position while also mentoring Jansen. Brian McCann fits that role perfectly.

The 15-year veteran McCann is hitting .311 with three home runs and 15 RBI with the Atlanta Braves this season. He’s currently splitting playing time with Tyler Flowers and could be made available in a trade as the Braves try to keep up with the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. McCann would provide something the Blue Jays desperately lack — a veteran presence in the clubhouse.

The Blue Jays also won’t need to commit to McCann long-term. He’s only signed through this year at $2 million, which would allow them to go back to the Jansen experiment next season after the young catcher learns from someone who’s been playing at a high level in the Majors for a long time.

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