The Toronto Blue Jays may not be entirely pleased with their spot in the standings, but it could be much worse. Third place in the AL East may not be ideal, but their 33-23 record heading into Friday is the seventh best mark in baseball. They are just a half game behind the Rays for the first Wild Card spot, and if the Yankees stumble, could be in a position to seize the division.
Although the Blue Jays are in a good position, they do need help. Promoting Gabriel Moreno should help the offense and add a lot more depth to the catcher position, but it is difficult to put that much faith into any rookie to immediately make a major impact.
Three potential trade targets for Toronto Blue Jays
Moreno, even if he does hit the ground running, will not solve all of their problems. There are still questions about their depth and rotation. The bullpen could potentially use another piece or two. The Blue Jays have plenty of work to do.
The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of holes left to fill on their roster. Let’s take a look at three possible trade targets for their postseason push.
Frankie Montas
The Toronto Blue Jays already made one trade with the Oakland A’s to improve their chances in 2022. Why not make another one?
For as strong as the Blue Jays rotation may have seemed at the start of the year, there are problems. Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi have had their moments but have generally disappointed. Hyun Jin Ryu may be lost for the year. Ross Stripling has done well since being forced into the rotation, but is better served as a long reliever/spot starter based on his history.
Montas is going to be highly sought after on the trade market. Virtually every team that needs a starter is going to be after him. As he has posted an excellent 3.06 ERA and a 1.005 WHiP in his 70.2 innings entering Friday, striking out 78 batters with 16 walks, he will fetch an impressive return.
The Blue Jays have the type of farm system that can bring Montas on board, even after their trade for Chapman. He would certainly be worth emptying the farm system for, a possible top of the rotation arm that could make the difference in their push for a playoff berth. Add in the fact that he is under team control for another year and he is even more attractive in Toronto.
The Toronto Blue Jays could use another solid arm in their rotation. Frankie Montas would make a major difference.