The Toronto Blue Jays are “pushing harder” to trade veteran J.A. Happ and impending free-agent relievers such as John Axford and Tyler Clippard, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
He adds that the club wants to move pieces soon and avoid nearing the July 31 non-waiver deadline with “too much inventory.”
Happ is among the top available starting pitchers leading up to next Tuesday’s deadline and has reportedly been eyed by several teams, including the Yankees and Brewers.
Axford and Clippard, like Happ, will be free agents at the end of the season and could interest contending teams looking to strengthen their relief corps. Right-hander Seung-hwan Oh (2.74 ERA, 10.6 K/9) is the best bullpen arm the Blue Jays have, but he may cost more to acquire because his contract features a club option for 2019.
Outfielder Curtis Granderson and starting pitcher Marco Estrada are also on expiring contracts and could be moved in the coming week.
Versatile infielder Yangervis Solarte, who is under control through 2020, is also being shopped by the club, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
He notes that the Blue Jays’ asking price for its players is “extremely high,” according to a source.
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