Trade deadline heating up while Blue Jays aim high for new bullpen additions
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The Toronto Blue Jays aren't done yet, in fact they are just getting started. Ross Atkins is hard at work, while the price of premium relievers remains exorbitant.
Even after the acquisition of Seranthony Dominguez, the Blue Jays remain focused on improving their bullpen over everything else.
The Toronto Blue Jays are motivated buyers leading up to the MLB trade deadline
With the Blue Jays still described as motivated buyers in the pitching market on the eve of the trade deadline. If all goes well, the Dominguez deal should be the start of Toronto's deadline shopping with more deals on the horizon.
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand immediately reiterated that Toronto is firmly in the hunt for elite relivers.
Even with the Dominguez acquisition, the Blue Jays remain firmly in the hunt for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, per sources.
As of Wednesday morning, the Blue Jays' options remain open for a couple of reasons. First, the addition of Dominguez leaves everything on the table when it comes to pitching, including more high-leverage relief arms.
MLB.com's Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson says that high-leverage pitching is at a premium and a lot of other teams are sitting on the fence.
Blue Jays are still aiming high with at least one more bullpen addition. I'm told prices for top-end relievers are still wild right now. Lots of teams sitting on the fence hoping to be knocked off, so I'm expecting some of that market to happen close to the deadline itself.
"The thing I kept hearing with the Blue Jays was [Ryan] Helsley and [David] Bednar... the GMs are telling me that Toronto is pedal to the metal."
Blue Jays have been in discussions with the Pirates for closer David Bednar and reliever Dennis Santana
According to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Morosi on Tuesday morning, the Blue Jays have been in discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates about closer David Bednar.
Morosi mentioned both David Bednar and Dennis Santana as possible options in the deal, each of whom would instantly provide a massive boost to the Blue Jays bullpen.
Bednar has been phenomenal this year in the close role, pitching to a 2.37 ERA and 1.105 WHIP all while being on a career pace for strikeouts.
During his 38 innings over 42 appearances, the 30-year-old has struck out 51 batters.
Between the two, Bednar is likely the more expensive option given his ability to be a legitimate closer, however if premium prospect capital is demanded from Pittsburgh, making a play for both could make some sense.
A blockbuster trade here with either the Cardinals or the Pirates could put Toronto in a position to have a real shot at their first American League pennant in over 30 years.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 30 | 171 ANSWERS Trade deadline heating up while Blue Jays aim high for new bullpen additions Do you think the Blue Jays will trade for releivers Ryan Helsley or David Bednar? | ||
| Ryan Helsley | 16 | 9.4 % |
| David Bednar | 37 | 21.6 % |
| Both | 40 | 23.4 % |
| Neither | 78 | 45.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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