Unexpected Trades Toronto Blue Jays Could Pull off This Offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays had a disappointing 2014 season, finishing third in the American League East with an 83-79 record.

With the offseason now underway, Toronto will be looking for ways to quickly improve its roster in order to become competitive for the 2015 season.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has already shown that he’s willing to make unexpected trades in order to shift salary (the Vernon Wells trade comes to mind here) or acquire talent.

Just two offseasons ago, Anthopoulos shocked the baseball world by making two blockbuster trades that landed the Blue Jays several high-end players.

So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some unexpected trade scenarios that the Blue Jays could be involved in this winter.

Blue Jays Trade Away Mark Buehrle

Mark Buehrle was one of the top starting pitchers in Toronto’s rotation during the 2014 season, posting a 13-10 record with a 3.39 ERA in 32 starts. Despite those numbers, the 35-year-old could still be a trade candidate this winter.

Buehrle has one year and $19 million left on his deal. The Blue Jays could be better served by allocating that money elsewhere.

Toronto badly needs help at outfield, second base and in the bullpen. Trading a solid veteran pitcher like Buehrle to a team looking to compete next season could net the Blue Jays a decent return. It would also give Anthopoulos increased flexibility to make moves during free agency to shore up the aforementioned areas of weakness on the roster.

It’s also worth noting that while Buehrle had a great start to the 2014 season, he was hit hard and posted a 4.64 ERA after the All-Star break. If Buehrle similarly struggles at the start of the 2015 season, the Blue Jays might regret not trading Buehrle while his value was high.

Blue Jays Trade For Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves

According to Mark Bowman from MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves—who also missed the playoffs this past season and will be looking to make some changes in order to contend next year—could move star outfielder Justin Upton for the right price this offseason.

Upton had a very strong offensive year for the Braves last season, hitting .270/.342/.491 with 29 home runs, 102 RBI and 77 runs scored. He did strike out a career-high 171 times, though.

The Braves might also be tempted to move Upton because he has just one year remaining on his deal and will be a free agent next offseason. Trading Upton right now would bring Atlanta a lot more value compared to moving him near the trade deadline next season.

With both Colby Rasmus and Melky Cabrera free agents, the Blue Jays will be heading into the offseason with two potential holes in their outfield. While Upton will no doubt be a fine replacement, Toronto will realistically have to give up at least two top prospects in order to land him. Unless they decide to focus on the short term, it’s hard to imagine the Blue Jays parting with top talent for just one season of control over Upton.

Blue Jays Trade Away R.A. Dickey

Dickey had a solid, albeit unspectacular, 2014 season with the Blue Jays. The knuckleballer posted a 14-13 record with a 3.71 ERA in 34 starts.

Like Buehrle, the Blue Jays could look to move Dickey this offseason if the right offer presents itself. It’s unlikely for both of the veteran pitchers to be traded, though, so expect Toronto to keep one while looking to trade the other.

Dickey has a very team-friendly contract as well. The 40-year-old is owed $12 million for next season and has a $12 million team option for the 2016 season. Those are some very reasonable numbers compared to what some of the other pitchers on the market will be asking for this offseason, and that could increase Dickey’s value in a trade.

With Aaron Sanchez set to move into the starting rotation next season and top pitching prospect Daniel Norris almost ready for a full-time role in the majors, Toronto needs to start creating room in its rotation this offseason. Therefore, look for J.A. Happ to also be shopped around by the team.

Blue Jays Trade For Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Angels

It’s no secret that second base was one of the biggest areas of weakness for the Blue Jays throughout the 2014 season. Toronto’s second basemen combined for a .634 OPS, ranking 12th in the American League in that category.

That’s why Howie Kendrick would be such an attractive trade option for the Blue Jays. The right-handed hitter is just coming off an impressive 2014 season where he hit .293/.347/.397 with seven home runs, 75 RBI and 85 runs scored. He also had 14 stolen bases in 19 attempts.

Kendrick has one year and $9.5 million left on his contract. This might make it difficult for the Angels and Blue Jays to discuss a trade, though.

The Angels will be looking for a hefty return for a second baseman who has been productive throughout his career. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, will have to decide if they want to meet the Angels’ price for Kendrick when they’ll be getting just one year of control over him. This type of trade will only happen if Toronto decides to go “all-in” for next season.

*All stats are from baseball-reference.com.