6 prospects the Blue Jays could use as trade bait this offseason

With the Toronto Blue Jays having multiple positions to address this offseason, one plausible way they could restock their roster without giving up any assets is via free agency. However, they won’t be able to sign all of the free agent targets that they have in mind due to various reasons, such as budget, roster constraints, and competition from other teams. As a result, they may be forced to explore the trade route if no suitable internal options are available as well. In such cases, which of the Blue Jays’ promising prospects could be potentially used as trade bait this offseason to fulfill their needs?

Here, we take a look at six candidates that could be on the move to help the Jays complete their roster rebuild for 2024.

RHP Yosver Zulueta

Heading into the 2023 season, Yosver Zulueta was among the top five prospects in the organization according to MLB Pipeline. Armed with a blazing fastball that could hit triple digits, he was basically following along the lines of a right-handed Aroldis Chapman or Jordan Hicks. After ascending rapidly through the ranks in the minor leagues the past couple of seasons, Zulueta encountered more difficulties this season with the Buffalo Bisons as he often struggled with his control and command.

At one point, it was believed that he could have made his major league debut this year. However, Zulueta ended up regressing a bit in his growth and development as he posted a 4.08 ERA, along with a 1.53 WHIP, giving up 29 earned runs, a whopping 45 walks and 73 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched.

On the bright side, he only allowed one home run all season despite his lack of control. By the end of the season, he had fallen to 10th on the Jays’ top prospects list. With the Jays possessing a strong bullpen core already heading into the 2024 season, along with the likes of Nate Pearson and others waiting in the wings for their chance, Zulueta may be better served in using him as part of a trade package to help the ballclub address their other needs.