Potential Trade Options: Relievers
While the Jays would salivate over the idea of trading for Colorado’s closer Jake McGee, who was a lock down reliever in the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, it’s unlikely that they’d be willing to part with the prospects necessary to get a deal done. A much more realistic candidate also plays up north, Minnesota’s Fernando Abad.
The 30-year-old has quietly been one of the best relievers in the game this season, as he currently owns a 0.93 ERA with a 2.04 FIP. Abad can do it all on the mound, whether it be groundouts or strikeouts. His K/9 this season stands at a solid 8.38, while he also has managed to generate ground balls 54.9 percent of the time.
While playing for a struggling Minnesota team and Glen Perkins – when healthy – entrenched as the team’s closer, it’s likely they’d be willing to part with him to shore up the farm system. Abad is also still in arbitration, so the Jays would have him under team control for at least a few more seasons.
Toronto could possibly get a deal done by sending number 11 prospect Ryan Bouricki, a lefty who’s shown flashes of dominance this season, and 1B/OF Ryan McBroom, a 24-year-old with some pop.
The Deal:
Toronto Sends: LHP Ryan Bouricki and 1B/OF Ryan McBroom
Minnesota Sends: LHP Fernando Abad
If the Jays are looking for a right-handed reliever, Los Angeles Angels’ righty Fernando Salas has had a bounceback season and looks to be available as the Angels continue to fall in the standings. It just comes down to the Jays desire to have two Fernando’s in their bullpen.
Next: Backup Out West