Jays Journal
FanSided

Toronto Blue Jays: Looking at the Bullpen’s Trade Value

By Mark Armstrong

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 11: Ryan Tepera #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after Brock Holt #12 of the Boston Red Sox hit a three run home run during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on September 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 11: Ryan Tepera #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after Brock Holt #12 of the Boston Red Sox hit a three run home run during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on September 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 24: David Phelps #46 of the Seattle Mariners strikes out Hanley Ramirez #13 of the Boston Red Sox to win the game at Safeco Field on July 24, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners beat the Boston Red Sox 4-0.(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 24: David Phelps #46 of the Seattle Mariners strikes out Hanley Ramirez #13 of the Boston Red Sox to win the game at Safeco Field on July 24, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners beat the Boston Red Sox 4-0.(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

David Phelps (32) RHP

Trade Potential: MODERATE

Contract: 2.5 Million (Club option 2020)

2018: Tommy John surgery (Marlins/Mariners 3.40 era in 2017)

  • It’s uncertain if David Phelps will be ready for opening day, but in a Toronto Blue Jays season of rebuilding it may not matter. Phelps did not play at all in 2018 after having Tommy John surgery, and I doubt if the Blue Jays will rush him back this season. If he can return to form and replicate his 3.40ERA from 2017, then there is a strong chance he could play himself into a trade. His contract is very appealing being both low in dollar amount with a club option for 2020.

Joe Biagini (28) RHP

Trade Potential: LOW

Contract: One year 900,000 (Free agent 2022)

2018: 6.00ERA in 72 IP. -0.4 WAR

  • Joe Biagini is a whole two years removed from his 3.72 ERA now. His attempt at becoming a starter has been finally laid to rest, and he will be exclusively seen out of the bullpen in 2019. His current trade potential is low, due mostly to the lackluster play the last two seasons. If Biagini can somehow re-create some of that magic from 2016, and pitch well out of the bullpen in 2019, then he would become a viable trade option.

Clayton Richard (35) LHP

Trade Potential: HIGH

Contract: Three million (Final year)

2018: 5.33ERA in 158.2IP. -1.2WAR

  • Clayton Richard has been a starter for most of his career, but after a tough 2018 he could make his way to the bullpen depending how some things shake out. If Richard were to pitch poorly in spring training, or Sean Reid-Foley pitches really well, the veteran could be on the outs for the starting rotation. Given that Richard is a lefty and the Blue Jays only have one other bullpen lefty in Tim Mayza, he could be converted to the bullpen early, and if he succeeds there then potentially traded as he is in his final year of his contract.
Home/Toronto Blue Jays News