Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto Isn’t Talking Trade

This weekend it was reported by ESPN’s Jayson Stark that the Toronto Blue Jays were “hunting diligently for another masher and another top-of-the-rotation arm”.  These statements lined up with comments made by Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos earlier in April that he would “love to add one more bat”.  However, Anthopoulos came out yesterday and denied reports that the Blue Jays are actively shopping for a TOR starter or masher.

Anthopoulos understands that the rumors probably began and have resulted from the comments he made earlier this month while speaking with MLB Radio Network.  During the interview, Anthopoulos was asked which area of his team he would like to improve the most.  Anthopoulos’s response was that he’d love to acquire an additional impact bat.

While this may be true, Anthopoulos confirmed yesterday that he’s “had zero dialogue with GMs right now on anything resembling” talk for an impact starter or bat.  It’s still early in the season for impact players to be traded and Anthopoulos said that he doesn’t expect the trade market to pick up until after the draft.

Still, Anthopoulos did say that the Blue Jays are more likely to pursue elite talent via trade rather than free agency.  Toronto has said publically that it prefers to avoid long-term contracts and stuck to its guns this past winter.

While the Blue Jays may be willing to make an exception for top free agent talent as was shown during the Yu Darvish negotiations, Anthopoulos said that Toronto is much more likely to bring in impact players by dipping into its bevy of prospects.

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