Blue Jays: Trade Targets From Teams Already Out of Playoff Contention

Conclusion

All of the teams above should be sellers this month given they’ve fallen out of playoff contention.

According to Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, the organization is targeting pitching and defensive upgrades.  If Atkins were to add switch hitting 3B Eduardo Escobar from the Diamondbacks, set-up men like Tanner Scott from the Orioles and José Cisnero from the Tigers, plus a closer to complement Jordan Romero like Richard Rodriguez from the Pirates or Ian Kennedy from the Rangers, and a starter like Kyle Gibson from Texas and/or Jon Gray from Colorado, Blue Jays fans would likely be over the moon.

It would be a strong vote of confidence in the young core and just how competitive they’ve been, despite nine blown saves and a major league worst 14 bullpen losses since May 10th. The fact the teams is only 5.0 games back in the Wild Card race after all of that is a testament to their grit and determination.

With three All-Star starters, two MVP candidates, and multiple Silver Slugger candidates, these players deserve the chance to make a deep push playing meaningful baseball in to October.

With the return of CF George Springer, and the pending returns of starter Thomas Hatch and catcher Alejandro Kirk as well as high leverage relievers Ryan Borucki and Julian Merryweather, internal reinforcements are coming. But bullpen upgrades over the likes of Chatwood, Dolis and Edwards Jr., are clearly available. Let’s hope the front office will continue to be agreesive in upgrading the MLB talent on this roster.