The Toronto Blue Jays could still be buyers ahead of August 3, and one analyst has already pegged the pitcher he thinks ends up in Toronto.
Ross Atkins already confirmed where the biggest need sits.
"It's probably starting pitching," Atkins said. "In an ideal world, it would be optionable starting pitching, one of the hardest things to acquire in baseball."
That need has only grown given Toronto's rotation losses this season. Jose Berrios, Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce are all done for the year, while Max Scherzer, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber have missed time of their own and struggled when healthy.
That's the backdrop for Jake Storiale's prediction on Talkin' Baseball.
"I think there is a guy who's guaranteed to be traded. I think it's Robbie Ray," Storiale said. "I think Toronto doesn't think they are dead. They will add Robbie Ray."
Ray already has real history in Toronto. He was dominant during his two seasons there in 2020 and 2021, culminating in a Cy Young award after leading the American League in ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched and WHIP.
Why a reunion actually makes sense on paper
He's currently pitching for a Giants team well out of the playoff picture, sitting at 8-6 with a 3.38 ERA across 18 starts this season.
San Francisco retaining some of his $25 million salary would open the door for more contenders to get involved, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
Ray's deal expires after this season too, making him a true rental with no long-term financial commitment attached for whichever team lands him.
It's a bit like a band getting back together for one final tour, both sides already knowing exactly what they're getting.
Atkins made clear he wants pitching with control remaining, which complicates a pure rental fit like Ray, but familiarity and performance still carry real weight in these decisions.
Does reuniting with a Cy Young winner from Toronto's own history make sense for a team currently sitting outside a playoff spot, or is this the exact kind of move that only makes sense if the Blue Jays truly believe in one more run?
Would you want the Blue Jays to reunite with Robbie Ray at the trade deadline?
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