Trade talk: Four teams the Blue Jays could target
In its weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays’ strengths and weaknesses were on equal display. No deficit was too great for their world-beating offence to overcome, while no lead was safe in the hands of their shaky bullpen. No doubt general manager Alex Anthopoulos will be looking to add pitching before the July 31 trade deadline. Here is a look at a few potential targets.
JOHNNY CUETO AND AROLDIS CHAPMAN, CINCINNATI REDS
This would be the dream deal for Jays’ fans and probably too much to hope for. Anthopoulos would have to be extremely aggressive to nab both Cueto and Chapman — Cincinnati’s ace and flame-throwing closer — in a single deal. But in one fell swoop it would solve their two biggest problems and make Toronto a serious post-season threat. The conversation wouldn’t start without the Jays offering young lefty Daniel Norris, and they would have to include a handful of other budding prospects to con- vince the Reds to part with their two best pitchers.
JONATHAN PAPELBON, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The Phillies are the worst team in baseball and will be looking to deal at the deadline. Papelbon, the veteran closer who is 13-for-13 in save opportunities this season, may be their second-most marketable trade chip behind Cole Hamels. The Jays and Phillies have already discussed a Papelbon trade, according to widespread reports. The major sticking point appears to be how much of Papelbon’s $13-million salary the Phillies are willing to eat. The 34year-old right-hander also has a $13-million option for 2016 that kicks in if he finishes 48 games this season — a mark he should reach, barring injury.
FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ, MILWAUKEE BREWERS
K-Rod is another intriguing veteran closer, who would be less expensive than Papelbon. The Brewers are way out of contention and could be head- ed toward a fire sale at the deadline. Rodriguez, who is ninth on the alltime saves list and 13-for-13 this season, is owed about $11 million through 2016, when you include his pro-rated salary for this year and a $2-million buyout for 2017. The 34-year-old right-hander has allowed just three earned runs in 25 innings this season, while striking out more than 30 per cent of the batters he has faced.
TYLER CLIPPARD AND SCOTT KAZMIR, OAKLAND A’S
Another starter-closer combo, Clip- pard and Kazmir wouldn’t be as sexy as Chapman and Cueto, but the prospect package required may be more in line with what the Jays are willing to give up. Clippard, the former Nationals’ closer whom the Jays courted in the off-season, and Kazmir, the veteran starter, are both on expiring contracts and owed roughly $10 million combined for the remainder of the season. Neither pitcher is dominant, but they are both throwing well this year, have post-season experience and would offer some stability to both the Jays’ rotation and bullpen.