Toronto Blue Jays: 3 players to target for bullpen

The Toronto Blue Jays need help. While they have played relatively solid ball, there are question marks in the pitching staff. The back of the rotation has gotten better since Alex Manoah was called up and Ross Stripling made adjustments, but the bullpen has been a work in progress for much of the year.

This is something that the Blue Jays themselves are aware of. The front office has already made two trades to bring in pieces to help their depth, acquiring Adam Cimber and Trevor Richards to help in those middle innings. But the Blue Jays still need more.

Bullpen targets for the Toronto Blue Jays

As such, it is not a surprise that the Blue Jays are still considered to be amongst the favorites for several relievers. They may not be looking for rental pieces either – with their long term view for the organization, landing relievers with some team control remaining could be a priority.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three potential trade targets for the Toronto Blue Jays as they look to improve their bullpen.

Ian Kennedy

Although the Toronto Blue Jays may be looking for bullpen options beyond this season, they certainly would not ignore a rental piece for the right price. Ian Kennedy could be the type of pitcher that would fall into that category.

The 2011 NL wins leader, Kennedy was never able to replicate that season as a starter. After struggling the Royals rotation, he became a surprisingly capable closer, notching 30 saves in 2019 before an injury plagued 2020 campaign led to his signing a minor league deal with the Rangers.

Healthy once again, Kennedy has picked up where he left off. He has posted a solid 2.86 ERA and a 1.129 WHiP in his 28.1 innings, striking out 31 batters with seven walks while notching 14 saves. Although he may not be in the mold of the overpowering closers that one thinks of, he has certainly gotten the job done.

That is something that the Blue Jays need. Seven different pitchers have recorded a save, either due to injury or ineffectiveness. Having someone that can lock down the ninth inning would make a major difference, even if it is just for the rest of this season.

The Toronto Blue Jays may be looking for relievers with team control left, but Ian Kennedy may end up with the right price tag.

Richard Rodriguez

Richard Rodriguez entered the season as the favorite to take over the ninth inning for the Pirates. While he had performed well last season, he did not exactly have a track record as a closer. However, it was not as though the Pirates had much to lose by giving him the ninth and seeing what they had.

Needless to say, this experiment has gone better than the Pirates could have imagined. Rodriguez has had a breakout season this year, posting a 2.43 ERA and a 0.780 WHiP over his 33.1 innings, striking out 27 batters with just three walks on the season. He has notched 11 saves in his 13 chances this year, a solid showing considering the Pirates’ struggles.

That performance has made the 31 year old one of the top trade candidates heading to the trade deadline. While he is under team control through 2023, the Pirates’ own time frame to contend once more will extend beyond that point. It may be the perfect time to trade Rodriguez as his value might not be higher.

Although that would mean that the Toronto Blue Jays would be acquiring him at the peak of his value, they would also get a longer term asset for their bullpen. The window to contend is open now, and while Rodriguez does not have the same sort of track record as a closer, his age and inexpensive price tag financially are perfect fits.

Richard Rodriguez can help a team looking to contend over the next few years. The Toronto Blue Jays are that type of team.