Potential Trade Options: Catchers
Aside from Jonathan Lucroy – who the Jays would have no reason to trade for – the catching market is relatively thin. Toronto could target Boston’s Christian Vazquez, but it’s unlikely they’d be able to pry away the backstop from their division rivals.
Oakland’s Josh Phegley seems like a realistic target that can make an immediate impact with Toronto. Phegley is currently hitting .289/.319/.356 in just 15 games, but proved he’s a consistent all-around catcher in 73 games last season. At 28, Phegley provides plus defense with a capable bat and has the potential to improve.
On an Oakland roster with little playoff hope, it likely wouldn’t take much for the Jays to acquire him. But with Billy Beane running Oakland’s front office, the Jays may wind up giving up more than they originally hoped.
The A’s would likely target Dalton Pompey, a former top prospect who failed to win the starting left field job over Saunders this season, and now looks to be without a spot on the big league roster for the foreseeable future. At Triple-A this season, Pompey is batting a solid .267 but only has a .686 OPS, but is managing to get on base consistently.
Next: Oakland A's Trade Deadline Preview
With Josh Reddick as a prime trade candidate this season, the A’s would covet a player like Pompey to add more speed to their already athletic outfield. If Saunders can keep up his current level of play, the Jays wouldn’t need to worry about what they’re missing with Pompey.
The Deal:
Toronto Sends: OF Dalton Pompey, PTBNL
Oakland Sends: C Josh Phegley