Toronto Blue Jays Trade for Sergio Santos

A report (tweet) by Jim Bowden of ESPN has stated that Sergio Santos has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. This seems to be an excellent move for the Blue Jays even though Nestor Molina has been dominant in Class A/AA (148 K in 130 IP).

Santos is a young closer who performed admirably for the White Sox last season. In many interviews of Santos (including one on the Score network), Santos seems to be a young, energetic, vibrant personality that meshes well with the Blue Jays clubhouse.

The 28-year old Santos posted 30 saves with an average ERA of 3.55 and 92 K’s in 63 innings in his first full year as the closer for the White Sox. He had a terrible September (9 ER in 9 IP), which greatly affects his overall stats, but he pitched very well throughout the season. He has only been pitching for a few years.

This seems to be a great move for the Blue Jays, and even though they gave up a prospect in Nestor Molina they can rest easy knowing their closer role is settled without having to spend too much. It seems this closes the door on a possible Madson acquisition because I doubt they traded for Santos to become the set-up man.

This is big news for Blue Jay fans, especially since they did not spend a fortune on a closer. Perhaps this could mean big money is going toward Prince or Yu?

Also, Sergio Santos recently signed a 3-year deal for $8.25 million so they will get great value out of a player who is a converted infielder. He will receive $1 million in 2012, $2.75 million in 2013 and $3.75 million in 2014.

His 1.11 WHIP is solid and he should improve the Blue Jays bullpen tremendously. We knew AA was up to something and was looking to add a closer via trade, but we never suspected Santos. Good work Alex.