Toronto Blue Jays should be exploring a Tanner Roark trade

The Toronto Blue Jays have a plethora of bottom of the rotation starters currently occupying precious spots on the 40-man roster. Veteran hurler Tanner Roark would be a perfect trade candidate for a non-contending team looking for an arm to eat up innings.

Roark is owed $12 million for the 2021 campaign although the Blue Jays would presumably have to absorb some of his salary unless they were including prospects in the deal as well. The freed up funds could then be utilized to secure a free agent pitcher who could provide more upside than Roark.

Rob Biertempfel of the The Athletic recently authored an article suggesting the Pittsburgh Pirates were seeking a veteran pitcher and could be in a position to take on salary in the deal. The Bucs are also reportedly shopping infielder and Gold Glove finalist Adam Frazier who could be a nice bench option for the Blue Jays in a prospective deal.

Although, Frazier just avoided arbitration with the Pirates and is set to earn $4.3 million in 2021 which may be a little steep for the Blue Jays liking.

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Roark signed a 2-year/ $24 million dollar deal with the Jays last offseason, however, he had a disastrous first season with Toronto. The 34-year old went 2-3 with a 6.80 earned run average in 11 starts last season. The right hander surrendered 14 home runs in 47.2 innings pitched and publicly voiced his displeasure about not being afforded the opportunity to pitch late into games.

Roark is currently slated for a rotation spot in 2021 but you would have to figure he would have a short leash if he is still around. I would expect that Ross Atkins will get creative in his attempt to offload the overpriced hurler to another team.

Realistically, if the Blue Jays are going to be legitimate World Series contenders in 2021 then Tanner Roark has no business starting baseball games for this team. Move him out and call it a day.