Blue Jays trade candidates not named Josh Donaldson

The Toronto Blue Jays are faced with a challenging decision as the MLB Trade Deadline looms as rumours and speculation run rampant on the direction the brain trust will take in the coming weeks.

Many feel the current core that enjoyed postseason success the past two seasons still have one more playoff ride left in them even though the current cast has done little of late on the field to instill confidence.

While some feel the Blue Jays should tear and down and begin stockpiling for 2020 when the likes of Vladdy and Bo are the talk of the town.

The Jays currently sport a 39-45 record after taking two out of three versus the New York Yankees in the Bronx. They are 10 games behind the AL-East leading Red Sox and 4.5 games out of the last wild-card spot with six teams to leapfrog.

Much has been said about Josh Donaldson and whether the Jays should explore the trade market for the hot corner specialist. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports tweeted today that the Cardinals have an interest in J.D. but have not engaged Toronto in talks. Well, no kidding Jon, pretty sure there are 29 teams who have an interest in the former power-hitting MVP.

As the buy or sell dilemma rages on, here are a look at some Blue Jays trade possibilities not named Josh Donaldson who could be moved before the deadline.

Next: Trade Candidate: Veteran Southpaw Hurler

J.A. Happ

The 34-year old hurler is locked up for the 2018 season on a somewhat team friendly $13 million dollar term which could make the southpaw an attractive option for a team looking for more than a rental player.

Happ has rebounded nicely over his last five starts since recovering from elbow inflammation that plagued him earlier in the season. Happ owns a respectable 3.47 earned run average with a 1.158 WHIP in 10 starts this season.

Once again Jon Morosi mentioned Happ as an intriguing option for the Houston Astros who are looking for a mound upgrade. Happ pitched for the Astros for parts of three seasons before being shipped to Toronto as the corner piece of a 10-player trade in 2012.

The Blue Jays would in all probability rather keep Happ north of the border for next season and try and move some of their pending free agents, however, Happ would yield a more lucrative return than that of some of their struggling starters.

The Blue Jays scored two decent prospects in the Francisco Liriano acquisition for Drew Hutchison so there is no telling what the return could be for the former 20-game winner.

If teams won’t pay the price then you keep him in the rotation for next season, it’s a win, win either way as the Jays are definitely in the driver’s seat for the Happ sweepstakes.

Justin Smoak

I authored an article earlier this week about the prospect of the Blue Jays dealing Justin Smoak right now while his stock is at its highest point. The article drew mixed reviews; however, many readers agreed that the Blue Jays should entertain offers for Smoak.

The first-baseman was voted onto the American League All-Star team after a dreadful 2016 campaign where many a fan called for his demotion or permanent departure. Smoak is signed to a team-friendly deal set to earn just over four million next season.

The slugger is a lock to hit 40 bombs this season after connecting for his 23rd of the season yesterday. So if you’re the Blue Jays do you sell high on a stock they bought low on or do they keep him for 2018 and hope he doesn’t turn into Michael Saunders 2.0 after the break.

Much like the Happ scenario, the Blue Jays are in the driver’s seat and would only need to move Smoak if they were absolutely blown away with an offer. As I mentioned in the article, I could see the Twins being a fit for Smoak positionally and financially. If I am the Blue Jays and the Twins come calling, the talks start at prospect Nick Gordon.

The Blue Jays have Rowdy Tellez waiting in the wings so if they can score two or three legitimate prospects for Smoak’s services, then I say why not.

Marco Estrada

The crafty hurler has seen his stock plummet for much of this season as Estrada struggles to regain the feel for his off-speed pitch. Marco is poised to become a free agent at season’s end but has publicly expressed interest in remaining in Toronto.

The 34-year old Estrada has an inflated 4.86 earned run average with a 1.482 WHIP in 17 starts this season. The hurler’s strikeout totals, however, are above his career norm fanning 105 in 96.1 innings of work thus far. Estrada had a disastrous June as opposing hitters touched him up for 28 runs in 6 starts.

Estrada has proved in previous postseasons that he is not fazed by the bright lights on the big stage which prospective teams may find appealing. He has been money in big games pitching to a 1.96 earned run average in 6 postseason starts with the Blue Jays over the past two seasons.

If the Jays are packing up shop and selling then Estrada is one of the players that makes the most sense to be moved due to his contractual status, even if the return isn’t earth shattering, you at least have to get something before he walks.

Perhaps, the Blue Jays can convince Estrada to go to a contender for the postseason push and then return to the team in the offseason much like the Yankees and Aroldis Chapman did last season. There is nobody more fun to watch pitch when he is on and changing speeds.

Francisco Liriano

The Francisco Liriano situation is much like Estrada as the veteran is set to become a free agent following the conclusion of the 2017 campaign. Liriano has also struggled this season which will surely affect his trade value and the possible return the Jays can garner back for him.

The 33-year old was shelved earlier in the season with shoulder issues which somewhat contributes to his inflated stat line. Liriano is attempting to bring his 5.66 earned run average back to respectability before teams come calling for his services.

Liriano showed flashes of his former self in June surrendering 3 runs or fewer in four of his outings during the month. The Blue Jays acquired Liriano last season at the deadline with prospects Harold Ramirez and Reese McGuire in exchange for Drew Hutchison. I believe the Blue Jays ate some salary on the deal however I am still trying to wrap my head around this one from the Pirates perspective.

Nonetheless, the Blue Jays will send Liriano packing before the deadline if they do in fact become sellers. Liriano was dominant all spring and was many people’s pick, including mine, to lead the Jays staff this season but it has just not worked out that way for the veteran hurler.

Again the Jays won’t get a huge score for Liriano due to his numbers but he is someone they will look to move.

Next: Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman a trade target: Olney