GM Ross Atkins speaks on his approach to the July 31st MLB trade deadline
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/video/ross-atkins-on-pitching-decisions
On May 25th, the final Sunday of the month, the Toronto Blue Jays were 25-27, sitting fourth in the division, seven games back of the New York Yankees and three games back in the Wild Card chase.
After a second straight win over the New York Yankees on Canada Day, the Blue Jays are showing they can be for real when it comes to the race for the top of the AL East division.
They are just one game back of the Yankees, while maintaining a 2.5 game lead in the Wild Card race which is an incredible five-week turnaround.
The Blue Jays are playing some of their best baseball in years right now and it was reassuring for fans to hear General Manager Ross Atkins acknowledge that while he's happy to see these results, he thinks there's still another level for this team to reach.
This is what the July 31 Trade Deadline is supposed to feel like, vibrating with possibility.
Last year's Deadline was the opposite, a going out of business sale dropped into the middle of a lost season. This time, with a division race against the Yankees (48-37) sitting right in front of them, the Blue Jays (47-38) can aim big again.
«Last year sucked,» manager John Schneider said. «It was different. We're still a little bit away, but when you get around this time, guys get excited about it. We do a really good job of trying to improve our team. You look back at getting José [Berrios], getting Jordan Hicks, there are players over the years who have come in and helped. It's cool that we're in a position right now to do that again. Looking at the veteran guys, too -- [Chris] Bassitt, [Kevin] Gausman, Bo [Bichette], Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.], [Chad] Green -- they're excited that we're in this position.»
BlueJays.com reporter Keegan Matheson added, «Ross Atkins says the BlueJays have been looking to add a right-handed bat. Pitching depth sounds like another priority ahead of the deadline.
He adds that the Jays have had ownership support financially all along and that they should be able to «continue to flex that muscle.»
Speaking on Monday, Atkins offered some early hints on which direction Toronto could go.
«Probably on the run-prevention side more from a depth standpoint,» Atkins said. «If we can score more, we'll look to do that. And adding a right-handed hitter to our team is something we've been trying to do internally, and we have considered external alternatives as well. The run-prevention side is probably going to come from pitching with how good our defense has been.»
With Atkins pointing to 'run prevention on the pitching side' they are likely looking at pitchers who can keep the ball in the ballpark, whether they be starters or relievers.
There are a host of names of guys who could be available for the right price.
From Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins to Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks to Andrew Heaney of the Pirates, Seth Lugo of the Royals, Freddy Peralta of the Brewers, Reid Detmer of the Angels, the Blue Jays should have no shortage of options to add in the pitching department at the deadline.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 133 ANSWERS GM Ross Atkins speaks on his approach to the July 31st MLB trade deadline What do you think the Blue Jays should focus on at the MLB Trade Deadline? | ||
| Starting Pitching | 67 | 50.4 % |
| Bullpen Help | 46 | 34.6 % |
| Big right-handed bat | 12 | 9 % |
| Big left-handed bat | 8 | 6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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