Now that a playoff berth is legitimately within reach, the Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of reasons to look hard for reinforcements before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
They could improve their pitching staff, their lineup, or maybe even both. GM Alex Anthopoulos says he’s open to anything. Here’s a buyer’s guide to position players and pitchers who should intrigue the Blue Jays:
INFIELDERS
With Adrian Beltre and Ben Zobrist likely to stay put, here are some more attainable options.
Daniel Murphy, 2B, New York Mets
Contract Status: $5.7 million salary in 2014, arbitration eligible for final time in 2015.
The 29-year-old All-Star offers versatility and consistently high batting averages. If the Mets are willing to part with the left-handed hitter he’d fit at second base, but New York’s asking price figures to be high.
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Cleveland Indians
Contract Status: $10 million salary in 2014 before hitting free agency.
Cabrera is an option for the Blue Jays, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The 28-year-old has exclusively played shortstop during the past five seasons, but has significant experience at second base. The two-time All-Star has some pop, yet he’s essentially a league average hitter at this stage.
Martin Prado, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Contract Status: $11 million salary from 2014-16.
The versatile 30-year-old could help, even during a season in which his offensive numbers have dropped off. Arizona would presumably have to absorb money to facilitate a deal, who has some supporters in Toronto.
Luis Valbuena, IF, Chicago Cubs
Contract status: $1.71 million in 2014. Arbitration eligible 2015-16.
The versatile left-handed hitter has a knack for getting on base and he hit 12 home runs a year ago.
Nick Franklin, 2B, Seattle Mariners
Contract Status: In minor leagues; not yet arbitration eligible.
If the Jays wanted an outside-the-box solution, they could look to Franklin, who has been hitting well at triple-A. The switch-hitting infielder can play shortstop or second base.
OUTFIELDERS
Elise Amendola/AP
With Colby Rasmus and Melky Cabrera scheduled to hit free agency, Toronto faces uncertainty in the outfield beyond 2014.
Alex Rios, OF, Texas Rangers
Contract status: $12.5 million salary in 2014, $13.5 million club option for 2015 with $1 million buyout.
Though the Jays don’t appear to have serious interest in Rios, a return to Toronto would make some sense on paper. He still has doubles power and his contract now looks reasonably team friendly.
Marlon Byrd, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Contract Status:
$8 million salary in 2014-15, $8 million vesting option in 2016. No-trade protection.
Byrd is well on his way to proving that his bounce-back 2013 season was no fluke. Right-handed power is tough to find, as the Blue Jays know first-hand.
Justin Ruggiano, OF, Chicago Cubs
Contract status: $2 million salary in 2014, arbitration eligible for 2015-16.
Ruggiano can play all three outfield positions and he’s hitting well. The 32-year-old has a career OPS approaching .850 against left-handed pitching, so he’ll appeal to contenders seeking right-handed bats.
Chris Denorfia, OF, San Diego Padres
Contract status: $2.25 million salary in 2014 before hitting free agency.
Denorfia’s having a rough year, but he’s available and presumably wouldn’t cost much. With a career OPS above .800 against lefties he would be a useful bench piece.
Josh Willingham, OF, Minnesota Twins
Contract Status: $7 million salary in 2014 before hitting free agency.
The veteran slugger is enjoying another strong season and would provide right-hander power at a reasonable price.
STARTING PITCHERS
AP Photo
While the Blue Jays have gotten much-improved production from their starters, they should still look to upgrade the back end of the rotation.
David Price, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Contract status: $14 million salary in 2014, arbitration eligible for 2015 season.
If there’s a single focal point at this year’s trade deadline it’s Price. The surging Rays may not trade the left-hander, but if they do they’ll be marketing the American League leader in innings pitched and strikeouts.
Cole Hamels, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Contract Status: $22.5 million salary from 2014-2018, team/vesting option in 2019. No-trade protection.
It sure doesn’t look like anyone will be able to pry Hamels away from the Phillies. Still, we’re talking about a durable front-line starter, so the contract could even be viewed as an asset for a team like the Blue Jays that prefers to avoid super-long deals.
Cliff Lee, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Contract Status: $25 million salary from 2014-15, $27.5 million vesting option in 2016. No-trade protection.
Lee, who recently returned from a left elbow strain, remains one of the best when healthy. That said, he’s probably too expensive for Toronto and he turns 36 in August. Expect him to remain with the Phillies through July 31 and become an August trade candidate.
Ian Kennedy, RHP, San Diego Padres
Contract Status: $6.1 million salary in 2014, arbitration eligible for final time in 2015.
The numbers look great, but Kennedy’s a fly ball pitcher in a pitchers’ park, so there’s reason for teams like the Jays to remain cautious. He’s still just 29, and remains relatively affordable, but he has battled an oblique issue.
Jorge de la Rosa, LHP, Colorado Rockies
Contract Status:
$11 million salary in 2014 before hitting free agency.
While de la Rosa hasn’t had a great year, he’s left-handed and posted a 3.49 ERA a year ago. Plus, he’s a free agent at the end of the season and has better stuff than many potentially available starters.
Dallas Keuchel, LHP, Houston Astros
Contract Status: Arbitration eligible following 2015 season.
The Astros seem open to moving Keuchel, which means they have quite a trade chip on their hands. The left-hander is enjoying a breakout season and only earns the MLB minimum.
Tommy Milone, LHP, Oakland Athletics
Contract status: Expected to be arbitration eligible after 2014 season.
Though he lost his rotation spot when the Athletics completed their blockbuster trade earlier in the month, Milone was having a good season with a 3.55 ERA through 96.1 innings. The A’s value depth and would presumably want a lot in return.
RELIEF PITCHERS
AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Sure, Aaron Sanchez has pitched well, but the Jays’ bullpen ERA has climbed by more than a run compared to last year (4.40 vs. 3.37). They could use help.
Joaquin Benoit, RHP, San Diego Padres
Contract Status: $6 million salary in 2014, $8 million salary in 2015, $8 million team option in 2016.
While he’ll be 37 by the trade deadline, Benoit continues to pitch tremendously in San Diego. As a bonus, he’s controllable through 2015.
Chad Qualls, RHP, Houston Astros
Contract status: $2.75 million in 2014, $3 million in 2015 with a $3.5 million club option in 2016.
No stranger to deadline deals, Qualls was dealt on July 31, 2010 and July 31, 2012. He’s the kind of right-handed reliever who’s always in demand and he’s having a solid year.
Brad Ziegler, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Contract Status: $4.5 million salary in 2014, $5 million salary in 2015, $5.5 million team option in 2016.
The sidearming right-hander has led the National League in appearances in each of the past two seasons, so you know he’s durable. The asking price on Ziegler would be modest, but left-handers have an OPS approaching .800 against him, so he’s basically a righty specialist.
Juan Carlos Oviedo, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Contract Status: $1.5 million salary in 2014 before hitting free agency.
Oviedo was recently designated for assignment, so he’d be available and affordable. He missed the 2012 and 2013 seasons due to injury, but returned to post a 3.69 ERA with Tampa Bay before losing his roster spot.
Steve Cishek, RHP, Miami Marlins
Contract Status: $3.8 million salary in 2014, arbitration eligible 2015-17.
While the Marlins are on the fringes of contention, they could consider trading their closer. Cishek is pitching well, but he projects to earn a lot in arbitration due to his saves totals.
