Blue Jays reportedly have interest in a reunion with J.A. Happ

Could the big lefty, well respect and admired by his teammates and coaches alike, rejoin the Blue Jays for a third stint?

With offseason in nearly full swing, a new rumour has emerged that could prove vital for the Blue Jays in their pursuit of solid pitching. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Jays are interested in J.A. Happ. Morosi also notes that the Yankees are also interested in Happ’s services.

Furthermore, Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun reported that Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins would be interested in having him back on the team. Obviously, Happ is a solid pitcher who can still contribute to a major league team. Though he’s on the older side of the baseball spectrum, he’s still valuable.

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At this point, though, the Yankees, a team with far bigger pockets and a far closer proximity to being legitimate contenders, look like they’ll be able to sign Happ before the Jays do. They have, according to multiple insiders, already expressed legitimate interest in him even before the season ended. They’ve had their eye on keeping him in pinstripes since the day they traded for him.

Still, it’s impossible to deny that Happ enjoyed his time with the Blue Jays. Though he exhibits class and respect no matter where he plays, he seemed to speak rather highly of Pete Walker and the rest of the Jays coaching staff. He didn’t appear bitter about being traded to the Yankees at the deadline, and, if anyone could be viewed as a candidate to return, Happ might be the guy.

Regardless, this will surely be a story we’ll be following for some time, as Happ, no matter who he plays for, will always have a special place in the hearts of Blue Jays fans.