The American League is wide open. Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays are 9.5 games out of first place in the American League East, and it doesn’t look like they will catch the New York Yankees, but that doesn’t really matter. Despite being 39-41, the Blue Jays are currently locked into the third and final Wild Card spot. That means, if the season ended today, Toronto would make the playoffs with a .488 winning percentage. However, there are five teams within two games of them, so it’s certainly not the time to rest on their laurels. Instead, the Blue Jays need to push forward, so let’s take a look at three trades they should make at the MLB trade deadline.
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Jeff Hoffman hasn’t been the answer in the closer role for Toronto, and I’m not sure he recovered from the World Series home run he allowed last year. His early-season struggles relegated the right-hander to a setup role, and Louis Varland has stepped up. He’s already up to 16 saves on the season, and his 0.84 ERA really can’t get much better. However, he also has no prior closing experience before this season.
With the Blue Jays not being able to truly count on Hoffman, more depth and experience is needed. The Boston Red Sox aren’t going anywhere this season, and Chapman could be just what the Blue Jays need to lock down the late innings. With 12.05 strikeouts, 14 saves, and a 2.08 ERA this season, the left-hander hasn’t lost a step.
It’s clear that Toronto can’t rely on Max Scherzer, so by that thought process, do they want to rely on Patrick Corbin and the health of Shane Bieber?
Instead, the Blue Jays should look to San Francisco for Ray. The left-hander is having another strong season with six wins in 15 starts and a 3.70 ERA. However, he’s also an impending free agent, and the Giants are looking to maximize their assets.
Ray is a former Blue Jay who excelled when pitching in Toronto, winning the 2021 Cy Young award.
Arraez doesn’t overwhelm with speed or power, but the man can hit. He can also play both first and second base, and he’s on the trade market with an expected return that shouldn’t be too prohibitive.
He can get Vladimir Guerrero off his feet and into the DH role while also allowing Ernie Clement to shift across the field in more of a super utility role. Why wouldn’t anyone want a player who is currently hitting .321 with 40 runs scored?
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