Trade Deadline Preview: Toronto Blue Jays
By Sean Davis
Jun 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley (7) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The strong first half, and the mediocrity of the AL East, has put the Blue Jays in a position to acquire the pieces they may need to push themselves over the hump. They have very few holes to fill, but could choose to fill them with some of the more high profile names available. The advantage they have is that they want to win now, and they have the pieces that may be necessary to make a huge move. So who might they target?
1. David Price
It’s questionable whether the Rays would be willing to move Price to a division rival, or perhaps anywhere if their improved play of late continues. The cost of acquiring Price will undoubtedly be heavy, regardless of where he goes, but the Blue Jays have the means to potentially overpay for him if necessary.
The Cubs are aimed squarely at the future, and it’s no secret that they wish to move Samardzija. They made a killing last year by moving the top starting pitcher on the market in Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers, netting third baseman Mike Olt, and pitchers C.J. Edwards, and Justin Grimm. They hope to duplicate that success, and then some in any deal this season. Either Samardzija or Price would help the Blue Jays not only make the playoffs, but potentially play deep into October.
The Blue Jays were said to be in talks with the Padres about Headley very recently, according to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego UT. Headley hasn’t returned to his tremendous 2012 form, and many injuries may be to blame for that. Headley has battled back problems, and a calf issue this season, which seems to have sapped his power. He’s hit just .201/.287/.320 in 247 plate appearances this season, playing in the spacious Petco Park, as he has for his entire career. Headley may not represent a huge upgrade over in-house options, but he may come relatively cheap considering his play this year. The Padres may seek to simply get something for Headley, rather than nothing if he leaves via free agency after this season.