Toronto Blue Jays trade deadline objectives: Rotation depth, controllable relievers and more
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The Toronto Blue Jays are buyers once again. With three days left in the MLB trade deadline, Ross Atkins has his work cut out for him this week.
Over time, general managers build reputations, developing specific niches for which they're known.
Seattle's Jerry Dipoto has his constant stream of trades. For San Diego's A.J. Preller, it's star splashes. Atlanta's Alex Anthopoulos locks up young players to long-term deals.
Nine years into his tenure as Toronto Blue Jays general manager, Ross Atkins' niche might be long-term pitching moves at the trade deadline.
He has overseen four clear buying deadlines in Toronto.
In each of those, the Jays acquired at least one controllable pitcher, five starters and four relievers with multiple years remaining.
It's not always a closer or ace, with quality ranging from Mike Bolsinger to José Berrios, but there's a clear playbook Atkins could return to this week.
«For individuals who could be here for extended periods of time,» Atkins said after the 2022 deadline. «We've seen huge benefits in that, the continuity of guys being together.»
After winning a series against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, the Jays sit with the best record in baseball, 63-43.
Things are clicking, but the upcoming trade deadline presents a final opportunity to bolster the team ahead of October.
Atkins discussed the need for a bat earlier this summer, and the Jays, per a league source, are turning over every stone in the relief market.
But with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer set for free agency in the offseason, the Jays could, once again, build depth for the 2025 rotation while filling open holes beyond. Here are a few long-term options who could be available this week.
Controllable Starting Pitchers
- Joe Ryan RHP | Minnesota Twins | 2.5 years of control
- Mitch Keller RHP | Pittsburg Pirates | 3.5 years of control
- Sandy Alcantara RHP | Miami Marlins | 2.5 years of control
- Edward Cabrera RHP | Miami Marlins | 3.5 years of control
- Jeffrey Springs LHP | Sacramento Athletics | 2.5 years of control
- JP Sears LHP | Sacramento Athletics | 3.5 years of control
- Kris Bubic LHP | Kansas City Royals | 1.5 years of control
Joe Ryan, Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcántara are the biggest fish in this controllable pool, all under team control for at least two seasons after 2025 with top-of-rotation upside.
Jeffrey Springs is a particularly interesting fit in the lower tier. He has a 4.13 ERA on the season and 4.01 mark away from Sacramento, projecting as a mid- or back-of-rotation lefty.
He may not be an immediate upgrade in Toronto's rotation, but with 110 career relief appearances (including two follower outings this year), Springs could join the bullpen and act as 2025 depth before rejoining the Jays' starting staff next year. He's owed $10.5 million next year with a $15 million club option for 2027.
Another long-term starter who should be available is Athletics righty Luis Severino.
While the veteran expressed dissatisfaction with the Sacramento set up, and his road splits are much better, Severino isn't missing bats at all this season.
He has a 4.95 ERA and a 4.53 expected mark. The 31-year-old is owed $25 million next season and holds a $22 million player option for 2027.
The A's are actively listening on Severino, but a deal might be difficult to pull off, a league source said, as the organization isn't seen as willing to retain large portions of any contract.
They sent cash with J.D. Davis in a trade to the Yankees in 2024, but that was just $927,312. There are few other examples of the A's moving cash alongside players in recent history.
Controllable relievers
Toronto could also bolster the bullpen with long-term additions at this deadline. Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase (under team control through 2028) and Minnesota's Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax (both arbitration eligible through 2027) are big-swing relief options.
The Rockies are another team to watch for bullpen help. Colorado is perceived to be engaging in trade talk in a way that opposing teams haven't seen at previous deadlines.
Ryan McMahon went to the Yankees over the weekend, but the Rockies also have controllable relievers such as Jimmy Herget, Seth Halvorsen and Jake Bird to deal.
It's a lot more exciting to be buyers at this time of year, than having a fire sale like last season.
It will be interesting to see what kind of deals Ross Atkins swings in the next three days.
What a difference a year makes.
Source: The Athletic
Credit: Mitch Bannon
Blue Jays trade deadline notes: Future rotation depth, controllable relievers, and more
Credit: Mitch Bannon
Blue Jays trade deadline notes: Future rotation depth, controllable relievers, and more
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 221 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays trade deadline objectives: Rotation depth, controllable relievers and more Will Ross Atkins trade for a starter for rotation depth, a controllable reliever for the bullpen or both? | ||
| Starter for the rotation | 22 | 10 % |
| Reliever for the bullpen | 77 | 34.8 % |
| Both | 122 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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