MLB Trade Rumors: Two Blue Jays’ Starters Could Be Among First Players Dealt Before Deadline

The 2019 MLB season is barely two weeks old, but there is already speculation regarding which players could be moved before the July 31 trade deadline. Some of the teams projected to be top World Series contenders have gotten off to slow starts, and those clubs might have to make moves in order to reach expectations.

Even before the season began, the Toronto Blue Jays were viewed as a team that would be a seller this summer. That belief has only grown stronger since the team has lost nine of their first 13 games, and some of the players that they likely want to trade have started to increase their value.

Starting pitchers Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez top the list of players that will probably be traded within the next few months. They could find themselves at the center of trade rumors for as long as they remain with Toronto.

MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal was confident in saying last week that both Stroman and Sanchez will eventually be dealt. Peter Gammons said Friday morning on “MLB Central” that teams are closely studying video of their starts, noting that Stroman and Sanchez could be two of the first players traded if enough teams make Toronto an offer.

Gammons said that 10 to 12 teams are looking for outside help. The defending champion Boston Red Sox might top that list, considering they're tied with Toronto for last place in the AL East and rank 28th in ERA.

The New York Yankees could certainly use another starter with the injury to Luis Severino, though it appears that they will look within the organization for the moment. The Chicago Cubs have been just as bad as Boston with a 4-8 record, and they are 25th in MLB in ERA.

Dallas Keuchel remains the best starter in free agency. Teams still seem to be wary of matching his asking price and potentially giving up a compensation pick in June's draft in order to sign him.

Stroman has pitched 18.2 innings in three starts, posting a 2.41 ERA with 18 strikeouts. The 27-year-old was awful last year with a 5.54 ERA, but he was among the AL’s best pitchers in 2017 with a 3.09 ERA.

Sanchez has a 1.69 ERA in three starts, having allowed 13 hits with 16 strikeouts in 16 innings. He hasn't made more than 20 starts since the 2016 season when he went 15-2 with a 3.00 ERA.