Blue Jays rumors: 3 trade targets after whiffing on Luis Castillo
By Jake Oliver
2. Blue Jays rumors: Acquire the other Reds ace, Tyler Mahle
So the Blue Jays missed out on the Reds’ ace pitcher, no reason they can’t get the Reds’ other ace pitcher, Tyler Mahle. This move would prevent another American League team like their rival Yankees from acquiring a good starting pitcher. He is under club control through 2023, which provides cover for any injuries or other issues. This would allow the Blue Jays to not have to worry about starting pitching in free agency either. Plus, Mahle is only 27.
Don’t let the baseline stats fool you either — Mahle has been very good. He may have a bad 4-7 record with a 4.48 ERA. However, he has thrown 98.1 innings and struck out 107. He’s only walked 39 and has given up only 86 hits. His FIP is a much better 3.78 with a 102 ERA+. This is despite playing with an awful Reds team. He’s been worth 8.1 WAR over the last three years. Mahle is only making $5.2 million this year so half of that still needs to be paid out. Not an exorbitant cost by any means.
Over that time, he has pitched 326 innings of 3.95 ERA with 377 strikeouts. He’s a reliable No. 2 or 3 pitcher on a staff. With the Blue Jays, he would clearly be the No .3. This would allow them to have a supremely talented playoff rotation. They could have Berrios come out of the pen to avoid any cold streaks. Not to mention how much this move affects the other American League teams. You can’t let them get an advantage over you. The price is worth the payoff — especially since Mahle isn’t a rental.