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Toronto Blue Jays: Three players the team could use as trade bait

By Tyson Shushkewich

Apr 26, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins speaks during a press conference before playing the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins speaks during a press conference before playing the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Derek Fisher #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 20-6. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Derek Fisher #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 20-6. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Blue Jays possess one of the deepest and top-ranked farm systems in the league, which could allow the team to trade some prospects/players away for veteran players to help the current roster.

With the Toronto Blue Jays linked to numerous free agents and other team’s trading blocks this off-season, we take a look at three players that could find themselves heading out of the organization to meet other needs on the roster.

Derek Fisher

Acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline in 2019 in exchange for Aaron Sanchez, Cal Stevenson, and Joe Biagini, outfielder Derek Fisher came highly regarded for his speed and the fact that he had years of control under his belt. Since joining the Blue Jays midway through 2019, the Lebanon, Pennsylvania native has slashed .194/.286/.376 with seven home runs and 19 RBI’s in 56 games with his new organization.

Known for his speed and athleticism when with the Astros, Fisher’s debut with the Blue Jays started a bit rocky, he took a fly ball off the face in just his third game with the organization. He would have to leave the game the same day Sanchez and Biagini would help solidify a combined no-hitter for the Astros.

In 2020, Fisher would play in 16 games for the Blue Jays in the COVID shortened season and would slash .226/.359/.452 with one home run, seven RBI’s, and no stolen bases. He would also finish the season on the injured list after taking a pitch to his knee during a batting practice session on September 15th.

While Fisher is out of minor league options and would need to make the roster out of spring training or be exposed to waivers (if sent down to AAA), the outfielder’s stats might not scream ‘trade bait’ at first glance. The one major plus Fisher has going for him is that he hasn’t hit his arbitration years and a change of scenery could help a team looking for an outfielder with years of control and some MLB experience under their belt.

If the Blue Jays do acquire a veteran outfielder this off-season via free agency, there may not be room for Fisher on the roster, which could see him being shipped out of town before trying to pass him through the waiver wire at the start of the season instead of potentially losing him for nothing.

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