Blue Jays rumors: Top trade target clear after George Springer injury

The latest Toronto Blue Jays rumors make it clear the team is looking for some George Springer insurance following his most recent injury.

The latest Toronto Blue Jays rumors point exactly where they have all along except maybe with an extra finger involved.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the recent George Springer injury could have the Blue Jays pushing harder to acquire switch-hitter Ian Happ in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Happ’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate was already intriguing. Add in that he can play all over the field, including center, and he appears to be exactly what the Blue Jays lineup could use in a variety of ways.

Blue Jays rumors: Ian Happ trade is more important to make than ever

If Happ is traded before he plays his next game with the Cubs, he’ll leave Chicago with a .279/.360/.436 slash line on the season. For his career, he has batted .248/.342/.436. Knowing exactly what type of hitter he could be in Toronto this year and even next would be a bit of a mystery. While he has lost some power in 2022 via the home run, Happ already has a career-high 25 doubles and is on his way to having the best batting average of any season he has put together.

Regardless of Springer’s health, Happ would be someone the Blue Jays could use. A personal favorite at this year’s trade deadline, there’s little he cannot do.

Happ’s role on Toronto could eventually become a defensive rover capable of allowing starters regular rest or an opportunity to take on the DH role. He has been a headliner in Blue Jays rumors all trade deadline season. Now, with only hours left to get a deal done and questions about their most veteran hitter, the only question left is: what do the Cubs want for him?

Because Happ is under contract through next season, Toronto wouldn’t be getting any sort of rental deal. He’s someone to keep around for a run next season as well.

Although there haven’t been too many Blue Jays rumors linking them to all that many potential relievers as well, one would have to wonder if maybe David Robertson or even another pitcher could join Happ on the way northward.