The Blue Jays' biggest roster needs reveal a lot about how the team will approach next week's MLB trade deadline. (bnicholsonsmith)
Objectively speaking, the Blue Jays are likely to reach the post-season thanks to a 53-43 record that has them in the AL's top wild-card spot. They aren’t there yet, though, and a deeper starting rotation would help turn that likelihood into reality.
Because Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios could all be trusted to start playoff games, the Blue Jays aren’t lacking frontline arms. With that in mind, they should determine the availability of pending free agents like Martin Perez, Jose Quintana, Drew Smyly, Chad Kuhl, Noah Syndergaard, and Zack Greinke. It’s not the most exciting group, but it doesn’t have to be.
Based on the current roster, John Schneider is probably calling on David Phelps , Adam Cimber or Tim Mayza , but all three have below-average strikeout rates compared to the MLB relief average of 23.5 per cent. Season on the line, you have to equip Schneider with better options. Because even if the above scenario is obviously a hypothetical, these situations will come up if the Blue Jays are going to play in – and win – four playoff rounds.
Among the relievers worth investigating further: Gregory Soto and Joe Jimenez of the Tigers, Joe Mantiply of the Diamondbacks, Jorge Lopez of the Orioles, David Robertson of the Cubs, A.J. Puk of the A’s, Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals, Scott Barlow of the Royals, David Bednar of the Pirates, Matt Bush of the Rangers and Anthony Bass of the Marlins.
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