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Toronto Blue Jays: Looking at Rotation Trade Value

By Mark Armstrong

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 18: Clayton Richard #3 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PETCO Park on August 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 18: Clayton Richard #3 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PETCO Park on August 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on September 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on September 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Aaron Sanchez (26) RHP

Trade Potential: MODERATE

Contact: 3.9 Million (Free Agent 2021)

2018: 4-6, 4.89ERA in 105IP, 0.8WAR

I recently wrote about how we shouldn’t give up on Aaron Sanchez just yet, and I am anticipating a strong return to form in 2019. Being a pitcher on a shorter contract on a non-contending team, Sanchez has the chance at pitching really well this year and being traded to a playoff bound team.

However, is there a scenario where Sanchez can pitch poorly and also get traded?

If Aaron Sanchez were to develop blister issues again in 2019, it could be the start of the end for his time in Toronto. In a drastic last-ditch attempt to recoup any value for Sanchez, the Blue Jays may consider moving him to the bullpen to limit his pitch count and the wear and tear on his pitching fingers. I can only see this scenario happening much later into the season after exhausting all other options, as Sanchez has far more value as a starter than a reliever.

Although if another season was to be on the brink of being lost, and with only one more season under contract, it is possible that in a worst-case scenario Blue Jays management could make the call to move the talented 26-year-old to the bullpen, and subsequently trade him if he finds success.

Matt Shoemaker(32) RHP

Trade Potential: HIGH

Contract: 3.5 Million (Free Agent 2021)

2018: 2-2, 4.94ERA in 31IP, 0.1WAR

Matt Shoemaker has had an injury-riddled few years with right forearm strains limiting him to 21 starts over the past two seasons. If he can return to the pitcher he was earlier in his career, he could absolutely end up in trade talks as his contract is a modest 3.5 million in 2019, with a club option for 2020.

Between the 2014-16 seasons, Shoemaker averaged a 3.79ERA over 143 innings pitched, and has a career 5.9 WAR. Shoemaker returning to form in 2019 would make it very easy for Blue Jays management to trade him to a contending team for prospects, with the Blue Jays having rookie pitchers waiting who could take over his rotation spot in Sean Reid-Foley, Sam Gaviglio, and Trent Thornton. If Matt Shoemaker can stay healthy and off the DL in 2019, he is very likely to be traded.

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