The Toronto Blue Jays are four games back of the American League East lead going into play on Tuesday. They could be looking for pitching help at the trade deadline.
The Blue Jays are currently a wild card team. However, they have gotten a 4.65 ERA from their starting pitchers, which is the fifth worst in all of baseball. Max Scherzer should return soon, but they may need more help in the rotation. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Postins suggested they trade for Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Heaney’s best quality lately is his durability,” wrote Postins. “Since he signed with the Texas Rangers before the 2023 season, he’s made nearly every scheduled turn in the rotation. He was willing to move into a part-time relief role with the Rangers down the stretch of their World Series run in 2023 and made key postseason appearances as the franchise won its first world title.”
“He can be a fourth or fifth starter in a regular season run to the postseason and then be a fourth starter or swing bullpen arm in the postseason,” Postins continued. “His postseason experience would be helpful to Toronto, too.”
Heaney has a 3.33 ERA in 14 starts this year. The Pirates are poised to be sellers and Heaney could be one of the first names to get traded away. He is a veteran starter with postseason experience. Additionally, he would not be expensive.
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“The 34-year-old Heaney is playing for the Pirates on a one-year contract worth less than $6 million,” wrote Postins. “For the team that takes him on at the deadline, it would cost less than $3 million in salary, plus whatever must be shipped to Pittsburgh in terms of players or cash.”
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