Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ is expected to be one of the top starters available on the trade market this summer, and suitors are already lining up.
The New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners are both showing interest in acquiring Happ, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Morosi cites the Boston Red Sox’s struggles against left-handed pitching as one reason why the two American League heavyweights would want to make a trade for Happ.
New York’s biggest weakness is its starting rotation, with ace Luis Severino the only sure bet on the staff. Veteran CC Sabathia has been steady for the Pinstripes in 2018, but age has to be at least a partial concern. Sonny Gray has been inconsistent since joining the Yankees at last year’s trade deadline while Domingo Germán’s inexperience has shown through his first seven career starts. Masahiro Tanaka is currently on the disabled list due to hamstring strains and Jordan Montgomery is out for the year following Tommy John surgery.
Seattle is trying to dethrone the Houston Astros in the AL West and an extra starter would help them achieve that goal. James Paxton has shown how dominant he can be this season but there are major questions behind him. Felix Hernandez’s best days are in the rear-view mirror as his ERA sits well north of 5.00. Mike Leake, Marco Gonzales and Wade LeBlanc round out the rotation.
Happ, who pitched half a season with the Mariners in 2015, currently owns an 8-3 record with a 3.48 ERA and 3.41 FIP through 14 starts this season.
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