Blue Jays Trade Deadline Outlook

As we head into the last weekend in July, the Toronto Blue Jays are for the 3^rd straight year destined to be sellers at the trade deadline on July 31^st. After making consecutive playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016, the Jays have fallen into rebuilding mode ever since, trading away veteran players for prospect players who could easily be part of the team going forward and be pivotal players when the Jays contend once again. With the Jays well immersed in their rebuild with developing players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, Cavan Biggio, Danny Jansen, and other players, the team is looking to trade any remaining players from the previous era. That means that Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez and soon gone with the fact there is only 1 deadline this year, but the market has not moved yet to what the Jays are hoping in a potential deal. For a team that has a top tier pitcher who is noted to inducing ground balls for out, even against the best hitters in the league, the Jays should expect a high return value for Stroman who is once again excelling on the mound. Many analysts are considering the Jays want a return package similar to the one that the Tampa Bay Rays got when they traded pitcher Chris Archer last year. With Stroman who is under control for next season, I think this is a fair assessment, but where could he go? True rumours are high on him going to the Yankees and Red Sox, but that may not be the best case as you would be facing him 4 to 6 times a year. So I think any team in contention would be wise in acquiring the Jays star pitcher, but more so the Braves, Dodgers, and Astros would be best destinations to trade Stroman. Note if he does go to the Braves, he would be in familiar territory as the general manager is Alex Anthopolous, former Blue Jays general manager who put together the successful Blue Jays team. In addition, Stroman would be reunited with former teammate and Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson. This is why the Braves would also be a potential landing spot for Aaron Sanchez, the other Blue Jays starting pitcher rumoured to be on the trading block. Sanchez who has a noted history of blisters on his fingers in recent years would be a great addition to any team that needs either a 4^th starter in the playoffs or someone to be a long inning reliever. Sanchez does have the capabilities of being a great starter, as long he does not sustain a blister, but more likely a depth role for the upcoming playoff run as teams like the Twins, Cubs, and Brewers would also relish the idea of having Sanchez on their team. With trading Roberto Osuna to the Astros last year, they received closer Ken Giles in return. Again you can never have too much quality pitching heading down the stretch run and in the playoffs in which Giles would be a great addition as a closer. A team that has surged up the standings the last couple of months, the Washington Nationals may want to look at trading for the talented closer from Toronto. In addition the Twins are also rumoured to be in the mix as well. With it being a massively tight race in the National League wildcard as every team except for the Miami Marlins are in contention, I would not be too surprised if a team like Colorado Rockies or Arizona Diamondbacks also are kicking tires on the closer. Outside of the pitching staff, players like Eric Sogard, Freddy Galvis Jr. and Justin Smoak are also rumoured to be soon heading out of the Canadian market. Sogard’s batting average is .304 and would be a great depth player for a contending team that would be a reliable replacement so teams can rest their regular starters. Already a team rumoured to acquireis the Chicago Cubs, but with also having some experience, he would be a great addition to a young team like the Atlanta Braves. Actually quite a few contending teams could have great value in acquiring the infielder as the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals are looking at adding the missing piece to the puzzle in hopes of not only making the playoffs, but also potentially the world series. That missing piece that teams could be looking for is in shortstop Freddy Galvis Jr. With his current contract expiring at season’s end, many teams may look in adding an infielder, not only for increase quality depth, but also in the case the team suffers an injury. That is why maybe the Los Angeles Dodgers could look at acquiring Galvis as he has done well at the plate and in the infield that maybe the Dodgers could make the World Series for the 3^rd straight year and maybe finally win it for the first time since 1988. Also the Phillies may want to increase the infield talents as they want to push for a playoff spot, especially since it is the first year for the team in the Bryce Harper era. With many teams already having a quality first baseman and Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is also rumoured to be traded, the likely destinations for Justin Smoak are quite limited. Note though he can bring a great bat to the line up, not mention add veteran presence in the line up as he could be easily part of a trade involving one of his teammates. Just think though if Canadian Justin Smoak got traded to the Braves, not only could he be a replacement for fellow Canadian Freddie Freeman on rest days, but would also give another reason for Canadians to cheer on the Braves as Calgary native Mike Soroka is having a superb season in Atlanta. In all though the Jays will be trading these players to teams that will give them the best return that will help the team going forward, but when August 1^st comes around, expect the Toronto Blue Jays to have a different looking team as soon players like Bo Bichette will be ready to help the team succeed going forward. Look forward to your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments section.

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