MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers Uehara Rejects Trade to Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays were able to sign free agent reliever Francisco Cordero yesterday, but they were also on the verge of acquiring a different late-inning arm.  The Blue Jays and Texas Rangers were nearing a trade that would have sent reliever Koji Uehara to Toronto.  However, according to Richard Durrett of ESPN, the Japanese native used his limited no-trade clause to block the deal.

Uehara’s contract includes a right for him to reject a trade to six teams and the Blue Jays were one of the clubs that made his list.  A report out of Japan said that Uehara did not want to move his family from the Baltimore area to Toronto.

The Rangers have reportedly been shopping Uehara this offseason after the right-hander struggled in the 2011 playoffs.  After a solid regular season, Uehara fell apart late and was eventually left off of the Rangers World Series roster.

Texas has since added Joe Nathan to their already loaded pen, which projects to include Mike Adams and Alexi Ogando as well.

Uehara has requested a trade to his former club, the Baltimore Orioles, and it’s not out of the question that he could get his wish.  The Orioles were said to be in the hunt for Cordero before he signed with the Jays, and Baltimore could now turn their attention to Uehara.  The 36-year-old, who’s set to make $4 million in 2012, maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.03 and 1.002 over his three years in Baltimore.

For more on the Rangers and Blue Jays, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’ and Jays Journal.