Toronto Blue Jays land two intriguing prospects in Eric Sogard deal

The Toronto Blue Jays finally received their return for the Eric Sogard trade back on July 28.

Back on July 28, the Toronto Blue Jays traded Eric Sogard to the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Rays were to send back two players to be named later. Obviously, Sogard’s performance for the Rays would depend on the type of players that the Blue Jays received back in that deal.

On Sunday, the Blue Jays return became official. Minor league pitchers Curtis Taylor and Edisson Gonzalez have been sent to Toronto, completing the Sogard trade.

Sogard has been solid during his time with the Rays. A utility man in Toronto, he has solidified the second base position in Tampa Bay, posting a .307/.371/.477 batting line with three homes and six doubles in 97 plate appearances heading into Sunday’s action. With that production, the Blue Jays were able to receive a solid bounty.

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Taylor is an intriguing bullpen prospect, but one that the Blue Jays will need to add to the 40 man roster this offseason; otherwise, he could be selected in the Rule V Draft. Prior to being shut down in May due to elbow pain, he had posted a 3.06 ERA and a 1.075 WHiP in his 17.1 innings, striking out 16 batters with five walks. At this point, Taylor is expected to be ready to pitch in the spring, but if he suffers a setback in his recovery, Tomy Joh surgery could end up being in his future, potentially costing him the 2020 campaign.

Gonzalez is also an intriguing arm, but one that is a long time away from helping the Blue Jays. The 19 year old righty reached A-ball for the first time this season, and had a strong debut. While lower level statistics are not exactly a precursor for anything at all, his 2.45 ERA and 1.091 WHiP are promising. He also struck out 77 batters with just 13 walks in 62.1 innings, showing impressive command for such a young pitcher.

The Toronto Blue Jays have finally received their return for Eric Sogard. This could be a deal that pays dividends down the line.