Blue Jays and Angels could pull off possible deadline swap

The Toronto Blue Jays could find a possible trade partner in the Los Angeles Angels as the MLB trade deadline quickly approaches.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays are currently monitoring the likes of Dylan Bundy, Tommy La Stella, and Jason Castro in possible trade scenarios with the Angels. It is speculated that Toronto will be buyers at the deadline as they continue to hover in and around a playoff spot.

The Blue Jays already acquired slugger Daniel Vogelbach from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations earlier this week. Following a four-game series split with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team sits just above .500 with a 14-13 record on the season.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

The Blue Jays are reportedly seeking pitching help at the deadline and Dylan Bundy could be an interesting fit. The 27-year old seems to have found a new lease on life once leaving Baltimore this past offseason. In six starts with the Angels, Bundy sports an impressive 2.58 earned run average with a 10.3 SO/9 rate.

Bundy also won’t hit free agency until 2022 which would afford him another season north of the border if the Jays are able to pry him from California.

La Stella is a utility type player who can play all around the infield while offering a professional approach at the plate. Last season, La Stella hit .295/.346/.486 with 16 home runs. Thus far this season, the 31-year old is hitting .269 with three homers in 26 games. La Stella will become a free agent at seasons end so he would be a rental player for the remainder of the campaign.

Jason Castro is a veteran catcher who could provide leadership and steady defence while throwing out runners at a 36% clip this season. The backstop is a career .231/.313/.390 hitter with 88 homers in a decade in the majors.

The Jays have until the end of the month to make any upgrades to the current roster before the August 31st deadline. It will be interesting to see how they approach this deadline in the pandemic shortened season.