Trevor Richards' epic meltdown has come at worst possible time

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trevor Richards has been the subject of trade speculation for several weeks. Unfortunately, that timeline coincided with the worst stretch of the reliever’s season. The timing of this decline couldn’t come at a worse time as it will likely hurt the potential return the Jays could get for the 31-year-old.

At the beginning of July, Richards was one of the most reliable members of the team’s bullpen, and coming off a month of June that saw him dominate while filling many different roles. Over 11 appearances, the Drury University product surrendered just two earned runs in 14.2 innings for a 1.23 ERA and a .154 opponent batting average. 

After a strong start, Richards' season has spun out of control. Over his last seven games, the right-hander has given up 15 earned runs in six frames for an eye-popping ERA of 22.50. He’s had only one scoreless outing during that span and has allowed multiple earned runs in five. That’s more earned runs than Richards had allowed in 37 previous appearances (12), nearly as many home runs (3), and has contributed to the one-time starter’s ERA ballooning from 2.44 to 4.83. 

This swoon will undoubtedly affect Richards’ trade value as he’s one of the players on an expiring contract that the Blue Jays are widely expected to deal with. A few weeks ago, a discussion involving a trade for the impending free agent would likely involve a mid-level prospect ranked on a team’s top 30 list. With Richards struggling with his command and struggling to get outs, the Jays may have to settle for a lower-ranked prospect towards the bottom of an organization’s top-30 list or one outside of that status. 

That doesn’t mean the Jays can’t get a decent player back in a trade involving Richards. It just means that it may be a less heralded one than previously expected. Another option would be to find a partner interested in multiple players and put together a package that could net a pair of desirable prospects.

Richards has had a solid, seven-year career. He’s logged over 500 innings, amassed nearly 600 strikeouts (597), and has kept his earned-run average respectable (4.29) while working as a starter, middle-reliever, opener, and in high-leverage spots. He’ll do whatever is asked of him and with a smile. He’s known as a quiet guy and a valuable, experienced member of the locker room. Richards is a candidate to turn things around with a change of scenery and could be a pivotal piece of a championship bullpen. These are things the Blue Jays front office needs to remind any potential trade partners who are still interested in the embattled Richards to maximize the return.