The Toronto Blue Jays have been making waves in the MLB recently, but there’s one area where they could use some improvement – their starting pitching. With the trade deadline approaching, the Blue Jays are in search of a reliable ace to bolster their rotation. And it seems like they may have found their solution – the Kansas City Royals.
The Jays currently sit at third place in the AL East, with a record of 49-44. While their offense has been strong, their starting pitching has been inconsistent. They have relied heavily on their bullpen to pick up the slack, but as we all know, that is not a sustainable strategy. In order to make a serious push for the playoffs, the Jays need to solidify their starting rotation.
This is where the Kansas City Royals come into play. The Royals currently have a wealth of talented starting pitchers, including Danny Duffy, Mike Minor, and Brad Keller, who could all be valuable additions to the Blue Jays’ rotation. Let’s take a closer look at each potential trade target and how they could benefit the Blue Jays.
First, there’s Danny Duffy. The 32-year-old left-hander has been a staple in the Royals’ rotation since 2011 and has been having a career year. He boasts a 2.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His experience and success in big-game situations make him an ideal target for the Blue Jays.
Next up is Mike Minor, who has been a reliable starter for the Royals since joining the team in 2017. He has a 4.44 ERA this season, but his numbers are deceiving as he has been a victim of poor run support. Minor is a proven innings-eater, averaging over 200 innings per season since 2018. This would be a valuable asset to the Blue Jays, who have struggled to find consistency in their starting pitching.
Lastly, there’s Brad Keller, who has been a bright spot for the Royals this season. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 3.63 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He has been a breakout performer for the Royals and could continue to develop and improve with the Blue Jays.
All three of these starting pitchers could provide much-needed stability to the Blue Jays’ rotation. But why would the Royals want to trade away valuable pieces of their rotation? Well, the Royals are currently in a rebuilding phase and have a surplus of starting pitching. They could benefit from trading away one of their starters for young prospects or proven players that could accelerate their rebuilding process.
It’s not just about the on-field performance, either. Adding a veteran like Duffy, Minor, or Keller to the Blue Jays’ young roster could provide valuable leadership and guidance for the team. It could also bring a new level of competitiveness and motivation to the team, as they continue to chase a spot in the playoffs.
Some may argue that the Blue Jays should focus on developing their young pitching prospects instead of trading for a veteran starter. While developing young talent is crucial for the future of any team, the Blue Jays should not overlook the opportunity to win now. With a strong offense led by stars such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Marcus Semien, and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays have the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. Adding a proven starter to their rotation could make all the difference in achieving this goal.
In conclusion, the Toronto Blue Jays need a reliable starting pitcher to strengthen their rotation and make a serious push for the playoffs. With the trade deadline approaching, the Kansas City Royals present a valuable opportunity for the Jays to poach a proven ace. Whether it’s Danny Duffy, Mike Minor, or Brad Keller, any of these talented starters could provide the necessary boost for the Blue Jays to reach their full potential. It’s time for the Blue Jays to make a move and secure their spot in the postseason.
