Toronto Blue Jays: Top Five Rookies of 2020

A trade that’s really paid off already

2. Tom Hatch
Whenever there are blockbuster deals you see some big name prospects get dealt around, however, many of those prospects don’t develop into major league players.  (Have a look at what the Blue Jays gave up for Josh Donaldson, David Price and Troy Tulowitzki). However, there are smaller trades that happen that you don’t think much of at the time and all of a sudden a year after the trade you have a contributing player on the team.  This was done at the 2019 Trade Deadline, as the Blue Jays traded soon to be free agent relief pitcher David Phelps for unknown prospect named Tom Hatch from the Chicago Cubs.

Prior to the season I wrote an article that stated I believed that, although not flashy, I thought Hatch would make his debut this season.  Hatch broke the summer camp with the big club and made his debut at the Blue Jays third game of the season during a bullpen game.  Hatch was very impressive as he showed no signs of nerves pitching 2.1 innings on 47 pitches and failing to surrender a hit or run while striking out three.  This came to be the norm for Hatch.

Hatch was used as a relief pitcher that was needed for multiple innings and was counted on heavily.  Hatch went through a stretch in mid-August to early-September where he did not allow an earned run over eight appearances (12.3 IP).  Hatch would lead all Blue Jays relief pitchers in innings pitched at 26.1 and showed his durability and consistency.

At this time the Blue Jays are saying that Hatch is likely going to be a starting pitcher next year.  Hatch is among several young starting pitchers that can be used in the rotation or for multiple innings out of the bullpen.  Hatch showed he belonged as he finished tenth on the entire team in WAR with 0.7.