Blue Jays: Could Blake Treinen be the answer to the closer conundrum?

Could Blake Treinen be a possible answer to close out games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020 pending they can find a suitable return for Ken Giles?

The Toronto Blue Jays attempted to ship Ken Giles south of the border at the trade deadline, however, his current health status at that time scared off potential suitors. Giles is once again rumoured to be moved this offseason and is pegged to earn approximately $8.4 million in 2020.

Former Athletics closer Blake Treinen was non-tendered after a disappointing campaign in 2019. The 31-year-old was projected to earn just over $7 million prompting Oakland to cut bait with their closer.

Ken Giles is coming off an impressive season where he compiled a 1.87 earned run average and saved 23 games. He should in all likelihood command a decent return if the Blue Jays decide to pull the trigger on a trade. In a perfect world, they land a decent starting pitcher for his services.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Treinen should come at an average annual salary than Giles although it may take a multi-year pact for him to sign on the dotted line. The Blue Jays could utilize Treinen as their closer and if they are out of contention at the deadline, dangle him on the block.

The 31-year old is a year removed from a season where he was 9-2 with a minuscule 0.78 ERA and 38 saves while garnering MVP consideration.

The Jays will have to get creative and think outside of the box if they plan on bettering the roster from last season. So far this offseason, Ross Atkins has struck out on every available free agent the team was speculated to be in on.

If Giles can bring back a starting pitcher, Treinen slides into his role and hopefully regains his swagger of 2018 on the bump. Worst case scenario you flip Treinen for prospects and at the end of the day, all it cost you was money you were prepared to spend on Giles.