The Toronto Blue Jays have one of the top catching prospects in the game in Gabriel Moreno. He exploded onto the prospect radar last season, injuries the only thing to slow his scorching hot bat. However, the Blue Jays already have a pair of young catchers in the majors and numerous holes on the roster.
This has led to Moreno being viewed as a potential trade candidate. Understandably, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins is fielding several inquiries about the catching prospect daily.
Lots of Gabriel Moreno buzz here at the GM meetings.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) November 10, 2021
Ross Atkins says his name comes up from other execs, media and agents “three or four times a day.”
He also called 3B “very realistic” but wants to see what he looks like there next spring after a winter of work.#BlueJays
Toronto Blue Jays catching prospect Gabriel Moreno a hot commodity
It makes sense that teams would be interested in Moreno. The Blue Jays are looking to win now, and have holes in the rotation, bullpen, and lineup. Teams that are looking to sell, and have pieces that Toronto could be interested in, would want to bring in the highly regarded backstop as a key part of their own future.
Moreno cemented his case as one of the more intriguing prospects in the game with his performance in the minors. He produced a .367/.434/.626 batting line with eight homers and ten doubles in his 159 plate appearances across three levels. That hot hitting has continued in the Arizona Fall League, where he has a .345/.4441/.545 batting line with eight doubles and a homer in 68 plate appearances.
It is also interesting that Atkins referenced Moreno as a possibility at third going forward. He has all of two games of experience at the position – one in Double-A this year, and one in the AFL. If he is truly going to be considered as a possible answer there going forward, he will need to get a lot more action at the position.
His time at third may not matter. If the Blue Jays are approached with the type of player that could make a difference in their quest for the postseason, Moreno could be on the move. A catcher that can hit and play solid defense is extremely valuable, making Moreno such a hot commodity.
The Toronto Blue Jays are getting plenty of inquiries about Gabriel Moreno. He will be a hot commodity on the trade market if he is made available.