The Toronto Blue Jays have taken Major League Baseball by storm this season. They are the hottest team in baseball after winning 10-straight games, and now have a lead in the American League East, something nobody could foresee before the season. As MLB’s trade deadline looms closer, the Blue Jays all of a sudden have the mindset that they can make additions to their roster and make a real push for a deep playoff run.
They are now predicted to trade for another depth starter, which would give them one of the best rotations in the sport. Toronto has seen great contributions from Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, and Max Scherzer, who is working back from injury.
Blue Jays Predicted to Trade for Upset A’s Pitcher
The Athletics have had somewhat of a disappointing season. Not that they had real World Series aspirations, but the A’s spent some money in free agency this offseason, and have a strong core with Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, and Lawrence Butler. However, things have not gone according to plan as the A’s sit in the cellar of the American League West.
Now, in a recent trade piece by Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the Athletics are predicted to trade away disgruntled starter Luis Severino:
“Severino has proved he can stay healthy again after struggling to do so from 2019-2023. He’s also someone who has experience pitching in the biggest market for both New York teams. If this is as simple as getting him to pitch his home games at any other stadium, it shouldn’t be hard to find a taker, especially if the A’s are willing to either take back a bad contract in return or pay down some of his remaining money. The Blue Jays make sense as a landing spot because they are currently in first place in the AL East, and they could use another pitcher capable of starting a postseason game. Additionally, Severino would give Toronto an insurance policy if Chris Bassitt leaves in free agency after this season.”
Severino Much Better on the Road This Season
The starter, Severino, expressed some frustrations with Suter Health Park, which is the home of the Athletics for the next couple of seasons, and his numbers back it up as to why he’s upset. It makes sense, as naturally pitching in a minor league ballpark is going to inflate your numbers. In that same BR article, his numbers on the road versus at home are drastic. At home, he’s 0-8 with a 7.04 ERA. On the road, a 3.04 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched.
This trade idea would give Severino a fresh start and the ability to pitch in a much better pitchers’ park in Rogers Centre.
As Kelly outlined as well, it would give the Toronto Blue Jays the luxury of not re-signing Bassitt in free agency, knowing that Severino is under contract.
As July 31st rapidly approaches, Toronto is a team that you can expect to be active and aggressive, making notable moves to increase their chances at a postseason run.
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