Re-grading past Blue Jays trade deadline deals with 20/20 hindsight

Minnesota Twins v Toronto Blue Jays
Minnesota Twins v Toronto Blue Jays | Mark Blinch/GettyImages
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Blue Jays acquire SP Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks in exchange for P Travis Bergen

The Blue Jays acquired Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks during the abbreviated 2020 season’s trade deadline in late August, in exchange for Travis Bergen. Bergen has managed just 6.2 innings pitched with the Diamondbacks and 38.2 major league innings total. He was also re-acquired by the Blue Jays during the 2021 offseason in exchange for cash considerations. The 29-year-old is currently a free agent and only pitched 24.1 innings in 2022.

Ray pitched just 20.2 innings in 2020 with the Blue Jays, owning a 4.79 ERA. The following season he put it all together winning the American League Cy Young Award as he led the majors with 248 strikeouts and the American League in ERA (2.84), ERA+ (157) and innings pitched (193.1). The left-hander’s only full season in Toronto was incredible, greatly outperforming his career averages. 

Ray has since signed a 5-year deal worth $115 million with the Mariners, but his contributions to the Blue Jays during the 2021 season were incredible and can not be overlooked. Bergen did not contribute to the Diamondbacks and re-joined the Blue Jays shortly after the trade. Ray’s time in Toronto was brief, but this could be one of the most one-sided trades in franchise history.

Grade: A