Blue Jays: Top five trade targets that should be in the sights

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TORONTO, CANADA – DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro looks on as Ross Atkins speaks to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

If the Blue Jays are going to make a push for a playoff spot, they’ll likely need some help. Let’s have a look at five trade targets that could give them just that.

With another tough loss on Tuesday night, the Blue Jays’ record dropped to 14-14. That said, they’re still in a playoff spot if the season were to end today, and that makes things a lot more interesting, especially with the trade deadline approaching.

Will the Blue Jays make some roster upgrades and make a push for the post-season? I think it’s fair to assume that they’re keeping their eyes on the radar for who might be available, and would be especially interested if that player came with multiple years of contract control, rather than being a rental. Ross Atkins has also openly talked about a desire to upgrade the rotation, and that’s even more important now that Nate Pearson, Matt Shoemaker, and Trent Thornton are all on the Injured List.

There’s an obvious need in the starting rotation, but the Jays could arguably use some upgrades at other positions as well. They already acquired Dan Vogelbach from the Mariners for cash in order to give the bench some added pop, but I’m sure there are several other areas that Atkins and company would like to address, especially if they’re serious about making the playoffs this year.

Based on the trade market that’s been developing, what sort of options could be available? While the list could be pretty long, I’ve narrowed it down to a top five list of players that I think the Blue Jays should pursue, and spoiler alert, I’ve focused on the starting rotation.

Let’s have a look.