The Toronto Blue Jays might be in business talks with a familiar partner.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Saturday that the Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves — where former Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has been for the past two seasons — “have discussed trade possibilities in recent days.”
Starter Marcus Stroman doesn’t seem to be a key topic of discussion, and the Braves are reportedly more likely to add a reliever or a versatile bat — which would put names like Ken Giles, Daniel Hudson and Eric Sogard in the spotlight.
Morosi adds that the Blue Jays — who are expected to address their lack of upside pitching depth at the trade deadline — had a high-level scout at a Class A game Friday to watch Braves right-handed pitching prospect Tristan Beck. The 23-year-old righty pitched 5.1 innings, allowing nine hits, seven runs — six earned — and three bases on balls with six strikeouts on the night.
Beck was selected in the fourth round by the Braves in 2018. He boasts a 94-m.p.h. fastball, a plus curveball, a slider and changeup,
After signing free-agent starter Dallas Keuchel in June, Atlanta might look to add another piece to round out its rotation ahead of the post-season. The Braves lead the NL East by a comfortable margin with a 61-43 record.
MLB’s unified trade deadline is July 31.
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