The Toronto Blue Jays are the top landing spot for all-star starting pitcher at the trade deadline
Photo credit: Sports Illustrated
Despite going 21-10 in their recent stretch and pulling within a game of the AL East lead, the Toronto Blue Jays still have concerns surrounding the stability of their starting rotation.
The Blue Jays are rumoured to have a strong interest in trading for an All-Star pitcher that can help bolster their bullpen.
Blue Jays continue to eye $45 million All-Star.
Daniel Fox from Yahoo Sports writes that the Blue Jays began the season counting on a reliable trip of Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt to anchor their rotation.
While Berrios has held up his end with a solid 3.26 ERA, both Gausman and Bassitt have struggled, turning in the worst performances of their time in Toronto.
"Bassitt's troubles in particular are cause for concern, as the 36-year-old has posted a 5.45 ERA over his last 13 starts, including allowing nine runs in two innings against the Boston Red Sox last Saturday. Throw in the fact that 2024 standout Bowden Francis has crashed down to earth and free-agent acquisition Max Scherzer has made just three mediocre starts and it's no wonder why the Blue Jays rank 26th in rotation ERA." -Fox
With the offense firing on all cylinders and a strong, versatile bullpen in place, the Blue Jays can shift their trade deadline focus to bolstering the rotation. According to ESPN's David Schoenfield, one potential fit could be Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo.
«(The Blue Jays) did just get Max Scherzer back, but there's no way of knowing what he'll bring, plus Chris Bassitt and Scherzer will be free agents -- so they'll be looking for pitching help in the offseason anyway. Lugo's contract is a more attractive option than gambling on a high-level free agent, even if it costs a team some good prospects.» -Schoenfield
Lugo, 35, is putting together a second consecutive standout season, building on his Cy Young runner-up campaign with a 2.74 ERA, good for eight-best in the American League.
"There are some questions about how he would perform outside cavernous Kaufmann Stadium, as his 4.18 FIP and 4.61 xERA indicate some good fortune, but he is still well worth the $15 million he is owed over the next two years." -Fox
With Gausman and Berrios leading the rotation, Lugo, armed with his diverse 10-pitch arsenal, could be the ideal experienced piece to help the Blue Jays make a strong postseason push.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 3 | 344 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays are the top landing spot for all-star starting pitcher at the trade deadline Should the Blue Jays trade for All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo? | ||
| yes | 231 | 67.2 % |
| no | 113 | 32.8 % |
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