Blue Jays: Six teams that could be trade partners at the deadline

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 15: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 15: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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Blue Jays
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 19: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on June 19, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Pirates

The most impact relief arm at the trade deadline this season belongs to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Right-hander David Bednar is the diamond of the group this year, as the Pirates closer has been outstanding since being acquired prior to the 2021 campaign from the San Diego Padres. This season, the right-hander owns a 2.25 ERA through 40.0 innings of work with 15 saves and a 0.975 WHIP on the year. The reliever isn’t free agent eligible until 2027 and will command a substantial trade package if the Pirates are willing to trade Pennsylvania product sometime this month.

If the Blue Jays are looking for a rental starter, the Pirates also have veteran Jose Quintana on the roster who could be an interesting piece to the Jays’ rotation puzzle. The 33-year-old is having a bounce-back campaign on the east coast, authoring a 3.33 ERA through 16 starts and 81.0 innings of work. While the strikeout totals are a lot lower than in previous seasons (8.4 K/9 compared to 12.1 last season), Quintana has been an effective starter for the Pirates this year and should be available as he is free agent eligible this offseason.

The price will be high for David Bednar but the Jays could effectively fill in a rotation spot and add a high-leverage reliever in the same deal if they are willing to part with the necessary prospects.

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