Two former Blue Jays headline list of players most likely to be traded

MLB Trade Rumours released a list of players most likely to be traded before opening day, and two former Blue Jays pitchers find themselves amongst the names.

The first is Marcus Stroman, who tops everybody at number one. Stroman has been a likely candidate to dealt since the beginning of the offseason, and the Yankees efforts have increased ever since they signed Max Fried. One attempt, which was a one-for-one trade for Nolan Arenado, was turned down by the Cardinals.

While there hasn't been much in terms of talks between the Jays and Yankees for Stroman's services, it is not out of the realm of possibility.

Stroman has a career record of 87-85 with a 3.72 ERA. He won a Gold Glove with Toronto in 2017, and was elected to the All-Star game twice; once with the Jays in 2019 and again with the Cubs in 2023.

Further down the list, at number 11, is Steven Matz. Enterting the final year of a four-year contract signed with St. Louis prior to the 2022 season, Matz has struggled to regain the success of the brilliant he had in Toronto. In his lone with the Blue Birds he went 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA in 29 stars. His 14 wins were tied for 2nd in the AL and established a new career high for Matz.

In his three seasons with the Cardinals he has pitched to a 10-12 record in 52 games, 40 of which were starts. He is coming off an injury year in which he only made 12 appearances for the RedBirds.

While a Matz-Blue Jays reunion seems even less likely than a Stroman one, stranger things have happened. That being said, everything will depend on asking price.

Source - MLB Trade Rumours