Blue Jays: Which NL contenders could come calling for a starting pitcher?

Earlier in the week, we took a look at the AL teams that could have interest in potentially available Blue Jay starters. Let’s now have a look at the list from the National League.

The Blue Jays have looked a little bit better this week, but that’s not going to change their status as sellers at this year’s trade deadline.

There’s no telling how deep the veteran sell-off will go this round, but as we’ve mentioned here many times before, there’s a very good chance that players like Justin Smoak, Freddy Galvis, and others will be on the block before the July 31st deadline if they aren’t already.

If the Blue Jays decide to sell on Ken Giles right now then there’s a solid argument that he may be their most valuable trade chip, but I think that distinction still goes to Marcus Stroman. The 5’8 right-hander has looked a lot more like himself this season after a difficult 2018 campaign hampered by injuries, and he still has a year remaining of contract control before he’ll be a free agent after the 2020 season. There’s also the talented but injury-prone Aaron Sanchez, who could draw interest, and possibly veterans like Clay Buchholz and Clayton Richard if they’re healthy and performing.

Pitching is always an important need for any team looking to make a playoff run, and there are bound to be suitors this summer, especially for Stroman. Earlier in the week, we looked at some of the American League teams that could be calling over the next seven or so weeks, and now it’s time to see who may do the same from the National League.