Blue Jays trade candidates not named Josh Donaldson

Joe Smith

Joe Smith aside from closer Roberto Osuna was the Blue Jays most consistent and effective reliever all season long. Smith has been sidelined since mid-June with shoulder inflammation and should return after the All-Star break.

The 33-year old Smith is earning $3 million this season and is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2017 campaign. Prior to his trip to the DL, Smith had a 3.41 earned run average surrendering 12 earned runs in 34 appearances this year.

Smith has a proven track record sporting a career 2.96 earned run average and tidy 1.195 WHIP in 673 relief appearances. The veteran is traditionally very reliable having thrown over 70 innings on five occasions throughout his career.

The 11-year MLB veteran has pitched has pitched for five teams and has closer experience and would be a welcomed asset to anyone’s bullpen especially a team such as the Washington Nationals who are starving for back end arms.

The Nationals paid a king’s ransom for Adam Eaton so who knows maybe they will once again overpay for quality bullpen help. Washington won’t be the only team looking for late-inning relievers come trade deadline day so the Blue Jays should be able to move Smith for a decent asset in return if they decide to sell.