Call to the pen
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MLB Trade Talk: Running through best fits for Mike Foltynewicz

By Jack Trent Dorfman

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves is removed from the game against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning in game five of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 09, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 09: Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves is removed from the game against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning in game five of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 09, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Blue Jays 

More than the Royals and Giants, the Blue Jays actually appear to be contenders for a postseason berth, especially with 2020’s expanded format.

While their exciting young hitting is what makes them the darlings of many fans, their pitching leaves much to be desired. Nate Pearson, an electric top prospect, made a splash after shutting out the Washington Nationals over five innings in his debut, but outside of his 100 mph arm, the Toronto rotation is middling at best, especially for the AL East.

Offseason acquisitions Hyun-Jin and Tanner Roark will add quality innings and veteran experience for the club, meaning Folty would not be expected to come in and provide leadership in these clubhouses, which could work to his advantage.

If he could focus on pitching and on winning a role out of their bullpen this season, that could set up the former-flamethrower nicely come 2021.

Outside of the three aforementioned Blue Jay arms, Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thorton fill out the rest of the rotation. While they should stick in 2020, Folty could pair nicely with Wilmer Font and A.J. Cole, to form a trio of arms with some decent velocity that can pitch multiple innings at the beginning of games or in the middle innings.

Plus, Shoemaker is a free agent at the end of the season, and Roark hits the market at the end of the 2021 campaign. Trading for Folty could allow the club to work him in as a high-leverage arm, opener, or long-relief piece this season while building him up in the offseason to slot into the rotation in the coming seasons.

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You may have noticed I didn’t bring up any playoff teams. While there is a chance he joins a contender in 2020, I think teams see the need to rebuild his confidence and velocity as a significant obstacle. No matter where Foltynewicz ends up, he’ll need some time to regain his velocity and his stuff, but assuming he’s in good health and can get out on the field, he could provide value to any pitching staff he joins.

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