As the Toronto Blue Jays gear up for the second half of the MLB season, there is one glaring issue that needs to be addressed – their starting pitching rotation. With several key injuries and underperforming starters, the Blue Jays are in dire need of a boost in their rotation. And the solution could be right under their noses, in the form of the struggling Oakland Athletics.
The Blue Jays currently sit at third place in the AL East, with a record of 38-37. While their offense has been strong, ranking second in the league in runs scored, their pitching has been a cause for concern. The team has already lost their ace, Marcus Stroman, to a shoulder injury, and other starters like Clay Buchholz and Ryan Borucki have also been sidelined. This has left the Blue Jays with a makeshift rotation, relying on inexperienced and struggling pitchers to fill the void.
This is where the Athletics come in. The Oakland team currently sits at the bottom of the AL West division, with a record of 35-46. As they continue to struggle, it is no secret that they are open to making moves to improve their team. And the Blue Jays could take advantage of this by acquiring a disgruntled starting pitcher from the A’s.
One name that immediately comes to mind is Sonny Gray. The 29-year-old right-hander has had a rough start to the season, with a 4-5 record and a 4.12 ERA. But a change of scenery and a move to a contending team like the Blue Jays could be just what he needs to turn his season around. Gray has a history of success in the MLB, with a career 3.66 ERA and a stellar performance in the 2015 playoffs.
Another option could be Mike Fiers, who has struggled with a 5.00 ERA this season. But the 33-year-old has proven to be a reliable starter in the past, and could benefit from a change of environment. And with his experience in the AL East from his time with the Detroit Tigers, Fiers could easily slot into the Blue Jays’ rotation.
But why should the Blue Jays turn to the Athletics for a solution to their pitching woes? For one, the A’s have a history of trading away their top players when they are struggling. Just last year, they traded away star pitcher, Sonny Gray, to the New York Yankees. This shows that the Athletics are open to making trades, even when it involves their top players.
Moreover, the Blue Jays have a strong farm system that could entice the A’s into making a trade. With top prospects like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the rise, the Blue Jays could offer a package that could benefit both teams. And with the A’s in need of young talent, this could be the perfect trade scenario for both teams.
Of course, there is always a risk when acquiring a struggling player. But with the Blue Jays in desperate need of a starting pitcher, taking a chance on a player like Gray or Fiers could pay off in the long run. And given their track record of turning things around for players, the Blue Jays’ coaching staff could help these pitchers regain their form and contribute to the team’s success.
In conclusion, the Toronto Blue Jays need to address their starting pitching issues if they want to make a serious push for the playoffs this season. And turning to the struggling Oakland Athletics could be the perfect solution. With a history of trading away top players and a strong farm system, the Blue Jays have the means to make a move for a disgruntled starting pitcher like Sonny Gray or Mike Fiers. It’s time for the Blue Jays to make a bold move and solidify their rotation for the remainder of the season.
