Blue Jays: Ross Atkins post-trade deadline comments

Summary of quotes, thoughts, and comments from Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins after the 2019 trade deadline.

On Aaron Sanchez

In speaking with Sportsnet’s Arash Madani, Atkins said that trading Aaron Sanchez “certainly wasn’t a need”, adding that “he’s been great” for the Blue Jays and that trading him was “just the opportunity”. Atkins and the Blue Jays front office will be “pulling for” Sanchez going forward.

On Derek Fisher

In Derek Fisher, Atkins “loves” Fisher’s ability to steal bases, field his position, and “his ability to play all three” outfield positions. Fisher, 25, was drafted by the Astros in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft.

On organization depth 

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Atkins told Madani simply that the team “came in[to the trade deadline] with a plan to build as much depth” as they “possibly [could]”, going on to say that the organization will “continue to add to this core.”

On a specific timeline for success 

Though Atkins declined to give a specific year in which he hopes the team will be competitive, he said to Madani that success is “not as far off as fans think” and that the team is “confident that what’s coming is coming soon”.

On the return for Marcus Stroman

In response to several comments that the Blue Jays simply didn’t get enough in return for Marcus Stroman, Atkins said that the team “doesn’t feel that way” and that they “feel very good about the return”. Atkins says the organization “loves Anthony Kay [and] Simeon Woods-Richardson”, the two pitchers who came back to the Blue Jays in the deal.