Blue Jays inching closer to dealing J.A. Happ
According to numerous reports, the Toronto Blue Jays are inching closer to trading veteran pitcher J.A. Happ.
It would appear that the Yankees and Brewers are the final two teams remaining in the J.A. Happ sweepstakes however in saying that it appears Ross Atkins is holding out for the higher return in a chess match to see which General Manager blinks first.
Earlier in the day yesterday it was speculated Happ was going to the Brewers as struggling outfielder Domingo Santana was lifted from his minor league contest. Then came the rumour that the Bronx Bombers were still very much in play and that the Blue Jays may have interest in third baseman Brandon Drury as part of a possible package coming back north of the border.
Drury could be a fit for the Jays with the expected loss of Josh Donaldson to free agency at season’s end. The 25-year old has struggled this season hitting just .176/.263/.538 with one homer in only 18 games with the Yanks. Drury is hitting .292 with 6 round trippers in 61 games on the farm thus far for the Yankees.
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At the time of this article, the Cubs have also been named as a possible suitor for the services of Happ. Apparently, the Cubs also checked in on the availability of Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman as well. We all know from years past, the Cubbies are not shy about making big deals as they head into the dog days of summer.
While all the Happ trade speculation was unfolding the Jays traded reliever Seunghwan Oh mid-game to the Rockies in exchange for two minor league prospects. Oh is the first of the bullpen contingent to be moved but the likes of John Axford, Tyler Clippard, and Aaron Loup could all find themselves in a similar situation before the July 31st deadline.
Whether it is Drury or Santana packaged to Toronto, the likelihood of Happ being a Blue Jay at this time tomorrow is highly unlikely as the MLB hot stove heats up.