Blue Jays: 3 trade candidates from potential surprise sellers
By Tim Boyle
The Toronto Blue Jays could aim their focus at acquiring any of these three players from teams that look like potential surprise sellers this season.
Firing Charlie Montoyo was the first major Toronto Blue Jays move of July. It was a big surprise. Equally as surprising is how some other expected contenders are tanking much harder than Toronto.
The Blue Jays aren’t one of those clubs that look like they’ll fall on their face. They’re in it until the bitter end. This means calling up the teams on the verge of collapse, making a deal, and reaping the rewards.
Exactly who from these surprise sellers should the Blue Jays target? It’s a mix of starting pitching and offense they should have in mind.
1. Blue Jays trade target from a surprise seller: Carlos Rodon
If the San Francisco Giants sink out of the playoff race, Carlos Rodon might end up as one of the most popular men this summer. He could win a political primary and high school prom king as a write-in candidate. That’s just how special he can be for the Blue Jays.
Toronto has a major need in their starting rotation. Injuries and poor performance have contributed to making another starting pitcher a must. Rodon might be exactly what they need.
Toronto’s rotation took a big hit with the losses of Hyun Jim Ryu and Yusei Kikuchi. Although neither was pitching particularly well at the time of their injury, each was capable of turning things around—something they’re still hoping Jose Berrios can do for good.
Few teams were as aggressive in the offseason as the Blue Jays were. They need to stay on their toes and keep a close eye on more than the American League playoff race. It’s fading teams like the Giants that can help fill their voids. It doesn’t stop at Rodon either.