7 Blue Jays reunions we’d like to see at this year’s trade deadline

Randal Grichuk, Colorado Rockies

Another former Jay that is performing quite well, minus some power output though, is Randal Grichuk. Playing in a part-time outfield utility role with the Colorado Rockies in 2023, Grichuk has put together a solid season with a .300 batting average, .837 OPS, 115 OPS+, with 33 runs scored, five home runs and 22 RBI. His slight power outage may leave a bit to be desired, but the fact his batting average is currently his career high by a mile shows that he has improved greatly in his contact and hitting mechanics.

Moreover, at the stage in their careers, Grichuk is more likely to accept a part-time platoon role than Hernández, so if the Jays don’t intend to give the incoming player everyday playing time, Grichuk may be the more suitable piece to add as a power bat off the bench and spot starts in the outfield if needed. In addition, Grichuk was a fan favourite in his time in Toronto, so the Jays’ fanbase would more than welcome his presence once again with the ballclub.

Brandon Drury, Los Angeles Angels

As one could recall, Brandon Drury was acquired in a trade by the Jays back in 2018 along with Billy McKinney from the New York Yankees for J.A. Happ. Many of the Jays’ faithful were unhappy with the trade because they felt Happ should have gotten the Jays a far bigger or valuable return. To make matters worse, both Drury and McKinney would go on to struggle in a Jays’ uniform and both were gone from the team by 2020.

However, since then, Drury has evolved into an offensive force, with a Silver Slugger award to top it off in 2022 when he hit .263 with 87 runs scored, 31 doubles, 28 home runs and 87 RBI with the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres. This year with the Los Angeles Angels, Drury sports a .277 average, .822 OPS, with 36 runs scored, 17 doubles, two triples, 14 home runs and 45 RBI in just 75 games played. With the ability to play all over the field, in addition to his power production in recent years, Drury may finally be welcomed back by the Jays’ faithful if they choose to pursue him at the trade deadline to upgrade their offence and provide positional flexibility as well.

Overall, look for the Jays to make at least one or two deals at the minimum by the trade deadline, and hopefully, we may see a former Jay or two in the process, giving them a second chance to help the team be successful once again.