Blue Jays Quiet: AL East Trade Deadline Recap

Jul 30, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price (14) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays

– SP David Price traded to Detroit Tigers as part of three-team deal with Seattle Mariners.  Rays receive 2B Nick Franklin, SP Drew Smyly, and SS Willy Adames

Impact:  The most important impact of this trade in the short-term for the Toronto Blue Jays is very similar to the Jon Lester trade: an ace has left the division.  I had begun to think that the Rays may hold on to David Price, hoping for a late run in 2014 and a stronger season in 2015, but alas the Rays brain trust determined they had too much ground and too many horses to jump in order to get it done.

The package they received in return, at face value, doesn’t appear to offset the loss of Price, but many scouts hold prospect Willy Adames in extremely high regard.  At just 18 years of age, Adames was a top-3 level prospect in Detroit’s system with a  very high ceiling.  However, even if Adames’ full potential is realized, it could be 3-4 years until he impacts ball games against the Blue Jays.

The short-term return of Drew Smyly and Nick Franklin don’t necessarily wow anyone. Franklin had trouble winning a job on a Seattle team that needed offense, and Smyly at best is a number 3 starter. However, they both address current needs of the club and provide more depth and control for the Rays.

This move, like Lester’s, should help Toronto avoid 1-2 starts against an elite pitcher this season.