Intra-Division Mock Trade Sends Two Stars To Blue Jays Ahead Of Trade Deadline

This season, the Toronto Blue Jays have clearly established themselves as a postseason contender.

In fact, they’re likely to be in a tight contest for the American League East title down the line. If the Blue Jays want to win the division, they will need to be aggressive at the trade deadline. Toronto’s roster has plenty of holes to fill with quality.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic has suggested that the Blue Jays might make a trade with the Baltimore Orioles to acquire pitcher Gregory Soto and outfielder Ramón Laureano in exchange for pitchers Angel Bastardo and RHP Juaron Watts-Brown.

“With this transaction, the Jays can address two needs while saving the heavy lifting for a starting pitcher acquisition. “Soto continues to strike out and limit left-handed hitters, holding them to a.160 average this season,” noted Bowden.

“With Mason Fluharty’s recent demotion, the Jays could use another leverage southpaw, and Soto has filled that role for three teams across the last five years.” Laureano is a bright spot in Baltimore’s lacklustre attack, having hit 10 home runs while playing all three outfield spots.

He also has somewhat neutral platoon splits, making Laureano an ideal right-handed depth option who can pinch bat and play in any situation.

The Blue Jays are likely to be in the market for multiple trades in the coming weeks. With that in mind, acquiring a good lefty for the bullpen would be an ideal first trade of the season. Soto would be one of Toronto’s better relievers, while Laureano might serve as a platoon outfielder.

At worst, the Blue Jays may employ the outfielder as a backup down the stretch. Regardless, both players would be valuable additions to the Blue Jays’ postseason drive.

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