Toronto Blue Jays: Possible trade scenarios for bullpen depth

Toronto Blue Jays starters had a collective ERA of 3.32 (5th in MLB) headed into Monday night’s action versus the Giants. The bullpen’s efforts thus far have been scrutinized somewhat, with a group ERA of 3.87 (17th).

It’s easy to point out which of the two factions is the weaker link right now inside Toronto’s pitching staff. If it weren’t for the crafty work of Roberto Osuna as the closer, things would be a lot uglier than they are right now. The 21-year-old star in the making has a 1.93 ERA at the moment and has saved six games in seven opportunities. As well, he has a sparkling K:BB ratio right now of 5.3 to go with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings of work.

Outside of that, there has been a lot of instability with two familiar faces. Drew Storen was brought over in an offseason trade that sent Ben Revere to the Nats. He and southpaw Brett Cecil were supposed to be the best options manager John Gibbons has in the seventh and eighth inning of ball games. In spring ball, Gibbons was even considering naming Storen the closer at one point in time. Right now, when you add those two’s earned run averages together, the result is 14.59, with an 0-7 record to boot.

This doesn’t paint a pretty picture for baseball’s defending AL East champions. The lineup for the most part is doing their part and so is the rotation. But handing over close leads to the pen in the latter half of ball games has been disastrous. Toronto is 3-7 right now in one run games.

Here are some reasonable and far-fetched-but-not-to-be-entirely-ruled-out ways to fix the bullpen.

Next: The Long shot

Trading R.A. Dickey

Let’s be honest, the R.A. Dickey trade is a black stain on Alex Anthopoulos’ resume. Even if Travis d’Arnaud doesn’t pan out, the notion of having Noah Syndergaard in Toronto’s’ rotation right now over Dickey makes every Blue Jays fan cringe. Thor looks like a legitimate ace for the Mets right now and Dickey looks like a 41-year-old knuckleballer past his prime.

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Dickey was never anything close to his Cy Young self when the Jays acquired him. It’s tough for the club to keep giving him starts with a 1-4 record and a 5.18 ERA. Making $12MM this season and set to be a free agent in 2017, he holds very little trade value.

However, if he were dealt to a contender with lots of bullpen depth near the trade deadline but short on starting pitching, Dickey is a safe bet to finish the season healthy and log some quality innings here and there on a new team. Jesse Chavez (0-0, 2.45) would probably be the consensus replacement for Dickey at the moment if that happened.

While it’s too early to speculate because a market for any such deal has not yet materialized, Toronto would likely be forced to eat a large portion of Dickey’s remaining salary to get a trade done. A move back to the National League makes the most sense as well.

Next: Trading more prospects

Look for some low profile relievers who could be available

Toronto has a fairly depleted farm system because of recent transactions to acquire the likes of Dickey, Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki. They have one prospect ranked inside MiLB’s top 100 according to MLB.com. He’s outfielder Anthony Alford (pictured).

The 21-year-old is pretty raw and hasn’t played beyond High-A ball. It’s tough to give up future potential for an aging reliever in the first place, though. Miguel Castro was playing very well for the Rockies until a shoulder injury slowed him down some in 2016. A healthy Castrowould look great in Blue Jays threads right now. Losing him likely forced the hand of management to trade someone like Revere for Storen.

The Los Angeles Angels are a mess right now and would likely listen to any team trying to offer up prospects in bunches. Fernando Salas (2-1, 2.25) is set to be a FA in 2017, so for a small price the Jays might be able to acquire him. Atlanta is another sinking ship in 2016. Alexi Ogando (1-1, 2.87) is making $2MM this year and will be a free agent in 2017. He might be another relief arm to keep an eye on.

Next: Pull off a blockbuster

Acquire Aroldis Chapman

Prior to the Yankees acquiring him, there was rumblings during the 2015 season that the Blue Jays might make a push for Aroldis Chapman. Nothing materialized, Chapman made headlines for all the wrong reasons before the season began, and here we are.

With his 30-game suspension now over, he’s returning to the Yankees’ bullpen. But even with the trio of Chapman, Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, that might not be enough to get the 12-18 Bronx Bombers into the postseason amidst a competitive AL East backdrop.

New York gave up four prospects to land Chapman, so he won’t come cheap to any potential suitors. Brian Cashman knows they need to get a lot younger, which means the Jays or anyone else would have to part with more prospects.

Trading for Chapman in a contract year was a wise move by New York, though. It’s a win-win, as he either helps them make the postseason, or gets dealt at the deadline to a contender licking their lips to have the Cuban fireballer in their bullpen for October while paying a king’s ransom for his services.

Next: Stand pat