10 relief pitchers the Blue Jays should target at the trade deadline

With the trade deadline quickly approaching less than a month away and the Toronto Blue Jays gearing themselves up for the playoff run, they will be looking to upgrade in multiple areas to help the team in their playoff aspirations, with relief pitching being among one of their primary focus of interest.

Here, we take a look at 10 potential MLB relievers that could help the Jays in the stretch run via the trade route. As you recall, this is Category Two from our Jays’ trade wish list.

Michael Fulmer, Chicago Cubs

Michael Fulmer has actually been a rumoured target for the Jays in their previous trade deadline last year in 2022, so why not try again for 2023? A proven savvy veteran with over seven years of MLB experience, Fulmer transitioned over from being a full-time starter to become an effective reliever back in 2021 with the Detroit Tigers, and has excelled in that role ever since.

Since 2021, Fulmer sports a 10-17 record and 18 saves, with a 3.50 ERA, 119 ERA+, 1.31 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts over 172.1 innings pitched. He also possesses the ability to go multiple innings if needed from his buildup as a former starter. For 2023, his numbers may seem a bit rough by eye, with an ERA hanging close to 4.5, but much of that came in the early parts of the year when he was struggling out of the gate.

If we take a closer look at his past 16 games, he actually has been absolutely dominant, pitching to a 0.98 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, giving up only two earned runs with eight walks and 16 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. With his return to true form, the Jays should definitely take a shot at their prime target once again this year, since there’s no harm in trying for a second time, which would show that they are really keen on him and want him badly.