Blue Jays Rumour Roundup: Nathan Eovaldi and J.A. Happ

Catching up on some recent rumours concerning the Toronto Blue Jays’ pursuit of starting pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and J.A. Happ.

Eovaldi Drawing Interest From Many

Nathan Eovaldi’s market appears to be more robust than before, as recent reports indicate. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, “everyone and their mother” are showing interest in Eovaldi, with the Red Sox, Braves, and Brewers apparently among the most prominent.

Previously, the Blue Jays had been connected to Eovaldi, though this latest report significantly lowers the chance they’ll be able to sign him if indeed interest in him is so widespread. It’s not surprising that this much interest is being shown in him, especially given his recent excellent performance in the playoffs for the world champion Boston Red Sox.

Still, as Bradford himself put it, “truly serious suitors will distinguish themselves after the Thanksgiving holiday”. It remains to be seen whether Ross Atkins and the Blue Jays are indeed a serious suitor for Eovaldi’s services.

Happ Attracts More Clubs

More from Toronto Blue Jays Rumors

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• Blue Jays: Could a 12-year old be the franchise’s future star shortstop?
• Blue Jays: Potential replacements for Marcus Semien
• Blue Jays: Time for an Old-Fashioned MLB Player for Player Trade?
• Are The Blue Jays Looking To Add Another Power Bat?

Like Eovaldi, it’s obvious that the classy and consistent J.A. Happ will also create a strong, varied market for himself in free agency. With the New York Yankees appearing to be the most serious team at this point, the Blue Jays have also expressed some level of interest in him at some point, an earlier report suggested.

Now, Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels are also joining the mix, with the Brewers, Phillies and Angels appearing interested in the aforementioned Eovaldi.

Again, it’s unsurprising that these teams are reportedly joining in the pursuit for the big lefty. A practical staple of consistency, he’s projected to get a two or three year deal with a handsome annual salary. As with Eovaldi, it’s likely more serious teams will reveal themselves in the next few weeks, showing once and for all if the Jays are indeed serious about bringing him back for a third stint.