Blue Jays: Three under the radar starting pitching trade options to consider

The Toronto Blue Jays completed a disappointing first half which saw manager Charlie Montoyo fired and the team barely hanging onto the third Wild Card spot. The offense has done pretty well, as they’re third in the AL in runs scored, but the pitching has been underwhelming, to say the least.

The Jays do have a bright spot though, as Alek Manoah has ascended into a Cy Young candidate with his excellent first half. Kevin Gausman has been a steady presence in the rotation as well. Other than them and a steady Ross Stripling, the rotation has seen some rough times.

Jose Berrios is the most maddingly inconsistent starter in baseball right now, looking unhittable in one start and unable to get an out the next. Hyun-Jin Ryu is out for the season, and maybe as a Blue Jay altogether. Lastly, Yusei Kikuchi has been a disaster and probably shouldn’t even be in the rotation, struggling last night in his rehab assignment in AAA.

The Blue Jays need starting pitching depth at this year’s trade deadline to round out what’s been a very inconsistent rotation.

The Blue Jays currently have two starters they can rely on to give quality outings in Manoah and Gausman. Berrios will be a staple as well, and he has looked good lately so hopefully, that continues into the second half. Ross Stripling has done well in the rotation, I wouldn’t mind seeing how long that lasts. But, the fifth starter spot is wide open.

The Jays can make a big trade with the prospects they have and get someone like Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas, but I’m not sure they’d be willing to do that as both would be free agents after next season and would require a big payday, a similar move the team made last year for Berrios.

With that in mind, there are plenty of under-the-radar starters who can help the Jays this year and potentially next season as well.