The Toronto Blue Jays currently lead the American League East and are actively seeking to enhance their roster ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Mitch Bannon from The Athletic has indicated that the team is open to trading from its depth of position players, including those on the major league roster and in Triple-A.
As the season unfolded, the Blue Jays found themselves with several players vying for full-time positions. This group consists of Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner, Leo Jiménez, Jonatan Clase, Alan Roden, and Orelvis Martínez. While all but Martínez have seen action in the majors this season, Barger has emerged as a standout, contributing significantly with 14 home runs and a .264 batting average overall. His versatility in both third base and right field adds extra value, suggesting that he would only be traded for a substantial return.
While Lukes has been effective in a platoon role, Schneider has also performed well, particularly against left-handed pitching. Loperfido, recently called up, boasts an impressive .341 batting average, though it has come in limited appearances. Conversely, Wagner’s performance has been modest, and Jiménez has struggled at the major league level compared to his minor league success.
With players like Daulton Varsho and Andrés Giménez likely returning from injury soon, numerous roster moves are anticipated, potentially pushing several of these players back to Triple-A. Consequently, the Blue Jays face the challenge of balancing their depth and identifying opportunities to bolster their pitching, specifically both the rotation and bullpen.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Blue Jays remain strategic about their scope. They aim to maintain their higher-ranked prospects while potentially trading less-established players. There’s a notable trend among teams looking to rebuild, as well as those pursuing immediate gains, leading the Blue Jays to explore various options, including potential trade discussions for pitchers like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, and Mitch Keller.
In light of the upcoming deadline, the Blue Jays’ proactive approach to leveraging their depth could position them favorably for a deeper playoff run, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing their overall competitive stance.