Toronto Blue Jays left field trade possibilities

Jun 12, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Ryan Raburn (9) hits a single during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Raburn  –  Cleveland Indians

Remaining Contract:  1 year, $2.5M  ($3M team option in 2016, $100K buyout)

Another piece of the Indians’ crowded outfield comes in Ryan Raburn, who enters this season without any restrictions following an arthroscopic knee surgery in September to repair a torn meniscus.  Sound familiar?

Raburn would offer a power bat off the bench with the ability to platoon against left-handed pitching.  His 2014 season was a disaster, however, as he slashed .200 / .250 / .297.  The power factor with Raburn makes me nervous as well, because his slugging percentage rose or fell by over 100 points several times through his career.  Again, if the Jays are going to make a move, it can’t be for another high-risk asset.

He has appeared in 145 games at 2nd base, but hasn’t seen significant time at the position recently.  Given that Raburn is 33-years old, coming off of knee surgery and a down season, Anthopoulos may not be tripping over himself to put him on the Rogers Centre turf.  This would be more of a depth move, and one that would not come unless the price were cheap or the situation were dire.

Next: Unrealized potential from the Padres