Toronto Blue Jays not done trying to improve bullpen

The Toronto Blue Jays are well aware that their bullpen is their biggest issue this season. They already made one move in an attempt to improve their relief corps, adding Adam Cimber as part of a trade with the Marlins. However, given the issues the Blue Jays have had in the bullpen, one pitcher is not going to be enough.

The Blue Jays front office is well aware of this. According to reports, their latest target is Pirates’ closer Richard Rodriguez.

Toronto Blue Jays not done targeting bullpen

Rodriguez promises to be one of the better relievers available on the trade market. He is in the midst of a breakout season, posting a 1.78 ERA and a 0.692 WHiP over his 30.1 innings, striking out 27 batters with only three walks. Rodriguez has also saved ten games in 12 chances, a solid showing on a team such as the Pirates.

Not only has he posted some of the best numbers of any reliever that is likely to be available, but he would be more than a one year rental. Rodriguez is under team control through 2023, and is making just $1.7 million this season. At 31 years old, he could be an extension candidate if teams did not want to go the year to year route.

The Blue Jays will have plenty of competition for Rodriguez. Virtually every team that is in the hunt for the postseason is expected to have interest in bringing him on board. Likewise, teams that feel as though they are a year away could look to be the surprise victors in his sweepstakes, hoping that he can be a key part of their bullpen moving forward.

In theory, the Blue Jays do have pieces that could be of interest. They have plenty of good young catchers, a position that almost every team is looking for the future at. The farm system also has several intriguing arms, making a deal possible.

The Toronto Blue Jays are not done in their quest to upgrade their bullpen. Richard Rodriguez is their latest target, although they will have plenty of competition.