Toronto Blue Jays: Looking at Rotation Trade Value

ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Matt Shoemaker #52 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches to the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Angel Stadium on September 14, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

Toronto Blue Jays management has positioned themselves well for trades this year by signing two low-risk starting pitchers this off-season. Through the acquisition of Clayton Richter and Matt Shoemaker, the Toronto Blue Jays have filled out a rotation that looked thin on reliable veteran arms just a few months ago while giving neither a long-term deal.

It’s very likely that the starting rotation we see for the Blue Jays in April will not be the same come September, as Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins attempt to deal away contracts that do not fit with their current timeline for valuable prospects to reinforce future rosters. We saw it happen last year with the expiring contract of J.A. Happ, and with the eventual DFA of Jaime Garcia, who had an option for the 2019 season, even if he was atrocious last year in Toronto.

Trade talk for veteran Blue Jays pitchers Marcus Stroman, and Aaron Sanchez have been ongoing this off-season, with Ben Nicholson-Smith reporting that discussions have even gone beyond the two talented Blue Jays pitchers. It’s doubtful that was in regards to other starters, as most of them are young and relatively inexperienced, but it could easily have included other relievers like Ken Giles, Ryan Tepera, or possibly others.

As these trade talks continue for Blue Jays this winter and into the season, we will take a look at what each of the pitcher’s trade potential might be. Our first two starters both have the potential to be dealt at some point this season, but one has a higher likelihood than the other:

Schedule