Blue Jays: Potential pitching depth targets ahead of the trade deadline

Jun 6, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) follows
Jun 6, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) follows / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Starters Lucas Giolito & Lance Lynn and closer Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox

Could the return of former Blue Jay Liam Hendriks be that magic spark every playoff team needs some of in a World Series run? It’s certainly been an emotional return to baseball for Hendriks this year after he battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after being diagnosed last December. He’s recently reclaimed his closer’s role with the White Sox, but they are 8.5 games back in the wild card chase with a 29-38 record. He’s also a potential free agent after this season if the White Sox decline their $15 million club option for 2024, and will be 35-years old next February.

The White Sox also have an $18 million club option next year on 36-year old starter Lance Lynn, who has struggled badly so far in 2023. However, he’s only two seasons removed from finishing third in the AL Cy Young vote, has struck out 80 batters in 72.1 innings, and is averaging over five innings per start. Like with Chapman and Hendriks, could the Jays get the last few puffs out of an old cigar butt?

Or could they trade for starter Lucas Giolito, who will be a free agent for the first time after this season? He’ll turn 29 in July, and is having a solid year with a bWAR of 2.1 and ERA+ of 122 thanks to a 5-4 record and 3.54 ERA over 81.1 innings, with 84 Ks against only 25 walks.