Toronto Blue Jays expressing interest in Trevor Rosenthal

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Toronto Blue Jays are in the mix for high leverage free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal. The 30-year old rejuvenated his career last season splitting time with the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres.

In 23 games, Rosenthal posted an impressive 1.90 earned run average while closing out 11 ball games in 2020. The right-hander surrendered just five runs while fanning 38 batter in just 23.2 innings of work last season.

Last season was all the more impressive when you consider that Rosenthal missed the entire 2018 campaign and was decimated to the tune of a 13.50 earned run average in 22 appearances in 2019.

In eight big league seasons with the Cardinals, Royals, Padres, Nationals and Tigers, Rosenthal owns a 12-25 record with a 3.36 earned run average, 132 saves and a 6.0 WAR in 373 games. The former 21st round selection also has back to back 45+ save seasons with the Cardinals in 2014 and 15.

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The reliever was bought out by the Nationals at the conclusion of the 2019 season and then signed a minor league deal with an invite to spring training with the Royals in 2020. Rosenthal now enters the free agent market in line for a nice raise from his new employer.

The Blue Jays continue to look for ways to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, they have already inked Kirby Yates, Tyler Chatwood and A.J. Cole for the bullpen mix but Rosenthal would be a nice addition. Since last season, Toronto has lost Ken Giles, Anthony Bass and Wilmer Font from their reliever surplus.

Rosenthal would presumably step into the closers role with the Blue Jays as there is still some uncertainty surrounding Yates and the bone spurs he had removed last season. However, if both hurlers are healthy, they have the potential to be a lethal late game duo.

There are still a ton of free agent starters and relievers available for the picking so it is safe to assume Ross Atkins and company are not finished improving the squad for 2021.