David Bednar rumors: Could Blue Jays make an offer?
The Blue Jays need starting pitching, primarily, but a solid bullpen also fixes that problem.
Per Robert Murray, Toronto is expected to be in the running for several back-end starting pitchers come the deadline:
"“With Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausmann forming a dominant 1-2 punch, and Jose Berrios as their No. 3 starter, the Blue Jays are likely to be looking for a low-end starting pitcher rather than a frontline starter.”"
Rather than trading for a replaceable backline starter — someone who may not even make a postseason start — the Jays could fix the back-end of their bullpen instead.
Jordan Romano is plenty capable as a closer, but adding Bednar to the mix would instantly make Toronto one of the playoff favorites in the American League. With an offense to match, the Jays’ ‘pen would be a weapon, rather than a necessity to finish games.
In the postseason, starting pitchers are often on a shorter leash. Having Bednar and Romano available would give Toronto very little reservations about going to their ‘pen early in games, if necessary.