Toronto Blue Jays acquire former top prospect Nick Kingham

The Toronto Blue Jays made an interesting acquisition on Thursday, acquiring a former top 100 prospect from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

As the Toronto Blue Jays look to their future, the hitting prospects are on the cusp of reaching the majors. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Danny Jansen, and Cavan Biggio have already found their way to the majors, with Bo Bichette not likely to be that far behind. The problem, however, is that the Blue Jays pitching prospects are still a few years away from being able to make an impact.

Understandably, the Blue Jays are looking to take some chances on formerly well regarded pitchers. They are doing just that with their acquisition of Nick Kingham from the Pittsburgh Pirates, landing him for the ever popular cash considerations.

In 2014 and 2015, Kingman appeared to be a key part of the Pirates future. He had been considered a top prospect, making the top 100 prospect lists in those seasons. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery, put a halt to his progress, knocking him from those ranks.

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Kingham has done little to show that he can succeed at the major league level thus far. In 32 games with the Pirates, including 19 starts, he has posted a 6.67 ERA and a 1.590 WHiP, striking out 101 batters with 43 walks in his 110.2 innings. He has particularly struggled this year, with a 9.87 ERA and a 2.048 WHiP over 34.2 innings in Pittsburgh.

The Blue Jays represent a chance for Kingham to find his way once again. After all, this is the team that continues to send Edwin Jackson and his 10.22 ERA to the mound because they do not have any other options. While Kingman has not lived up to his former top prospect status, he does represent another option for the rotation.

Sometimes, a player just needs a change of scenery to succeed. After spending nearly a decade in the Pirates system, that may be the case with Kingham. He will certainly get a chance to prove that to be the case, especially given the lack of depth in the Blue Jays rotation.

The Toronto Blue Jays are taking a chance on former top prospect Nick Kingham. He has the perfect opportunity to show he can still be that solid option in the rotation.