The Toronto Blue Jays improved their bullpen by acquiring Anthony Bass from the Miami Marlins, but it came at a premium price.
The Toronto Blue Jays watched as the New York Yankees got better on paper when they acquired outfielder Andrew Benintendi, starting pitcher Frankie Montas, and relievers Scott Effross and Lou Trivino. With the deadline approaching at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 2, the Blue Jays made a move to bolster their bullpen.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays have acquired relievers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, Toronto is sending their fourth-overall prospect, shortstop Jordan Groshans, to Miami.
Additionally, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that “a smaller piece” is heading to Toronto along with Bass and Pop.
The main player going back to Toronto, per source: right-handed reliever Anthony Bass, who's been dominant this season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2022
The Blue Jays have been looking for help, and in Bass, they're getting a late-inning complement to Yimi Garcia, Adam Cimber and closer Jordan Romano.
Marlins send Anthony Bass / Zach Pop / smaller piece for Jordan Groshans - top 100 prospect for Blue Jays.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 2, 2022
Blue Jays premium price for Anthony Bass in Marlins trade
With the trade deadline, the Blue Jays had to pay a price for bullpen help, and that just so happened to be Groshans, who is ranked fourth-overall in Toronto’s farm system and No. 82 overall according to MLB Pipeline.
This season with Triple-A Buffalo, Groshans is slashing .250/.348/.296 while recording one home run, 24 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 60 hits in 67 games.
Bass is having an incredible 2022 campaign, as he holds a 1.41 ER and 0.940 WHIP, while recording 45 strikeouts and 10 walks in 44.2 innings (45 games).
Pop appeared in 18 games for the Marlins this season, recording a 3.60 ERA, a 1.250 WHIP, 14 strikeouts, and 2 walks over 20.0 innings.
For Blue Jays fans wondering if the team would actually make a trade at the deadline, the answer is yes.