Blue Jays: NL teams most likely to call about trade talks

Arizona Diamondbacks

The leaders of the NL West at the moment are the Arizona Diamondbacks, a somewhat surprising position considering they lost J.D. Martinez in free agency this past winter. Still packed with plenty of punch in their lineup, the Dbacks entered play on Friday at 38-30, and 2.5 up on the Dodgers.

Perhaps as much as any contender in baseball this season, the Diamondbacks could really use some help in their rotation, and could be interested in Happ, or maybe even Marco Estrada. Their depth chart after Zack Greinke and Patrick Corbin includes Matt Koch, Zack Godley, and Clay Buchholz, none of whom have any business starting a playoff game. Shelby Miller should be back later this summer, but it’s hard to say what they’ll get out of him.

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In order to have a real puncher’s chance against the likes of the Cubs, Dodgers, or Nationals, they’re going to need some more talent in the rotation, and J.A. Happ is likely one of the best options available. Desperation could breed opportunity for the Blue Jays, depending on how the market shapes up.

Washington Nationals

Last but not least, the Nationals are back in the heat of the race and will likely spare no expense in taking a run at the playoffs this year. Bryce Harper is due to be a free agent at season’s end, and while they’re expected to be a heavy swinger for his services, there is no guarantee he’s coming back. When you add that Max Scherzer will be another year older, there is every reason to press for a title right now.

They’re a little thin in the rotation at the moment, but Stephen Strasburg should be back sooner than later, and the trio of Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, and Tanner Roark have been really good once again this year. The Nationals could definitely use a little upgrade in the bullpen though, and they’re another team that I could see having some level of interest in guys like Tepera and/or Osuna. This feels like one of the least likely matches for a trade, but don’t rule anything out from a team that desperately wants to win.

Next: Blue Jays should trade, then re-sign J.A. Happ

Did I miss anyone? I could have arguably included the Rockies or Giants here too, but I don’t know that I see either of them as real contenders. Then again, most of my predictions for this season have been way off, so what do I know.