Reports from Sports net and Bleacher Report have confirmed Toronto is still searching for more depth in the outfield and possibly another starting pitcher, but at a cost that won’t cause the franchise to lose anymore of their top prospects.
Rick Weiner has suggested San Diego Padres veteran outfielder Will Venable is a viable trade candidate and the type of player that would add some experience to the roster, but not cost the team much in return.
The 32-year-old is hitting .254 on the year with six homers and 28 RBI, not great offensive numbers, but it doesn’t show what he would bring to the Jays. Venable is a terrific defensive player and has above average speed and with 130 career steals — he would be a great late innings replacement and the type of player that could generate a run or two with just his legs.
Toronto is also a team loaded with right-handed batters in their lineup and the lefty could add a change of pace. His ability to play anywhere in the outfield would give the manager some flexibility when making decisions and with the roster expansion on September 1, a move that could prove vital as they look to chase down the NY Yankees for the AL East crown.
Drew Hutchison has struggled on the mound this year and finding another starter is looking necessary and while no names have been linked in trade talks with the Blue Jays, it seems unlikely that a young pitcher with an ERA well over five runs per game can be counted on in crucial games over the next few weeks.
Anthopoulos and his staff have done a great job in adding some big name talent, but another move is needed for this franchise to finally break their playoff drought and become an elite team in the MLB.
