Only Ross Atkins knows what’s going on in Ross Atkins’ mind.
That said, there is no shortage of speculation over what the Toronto Blue Jays’ general manager may or may not do as the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.
Jeff Simmons of Sportsnet.ca joined in the fray this week, pondering which starting pitchers Atkins could attempt to acquire in light of previously indicated plans to move Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen.
Simmons offered four “rental options” in Oakland’s Rich Hill, Philadelphia’s Jeremy Hellickson, San Diego’s Andrew Cashner and Colorado’s Jorge De La Rosa.
Hill is the most likely candidate to be dealt before the deadline, Simmons wrote, but his improved performance this season will bump up the asking price.
Simmons considered De La Rosa “likely the cheapest rental option in terms of acquisition cost, but he’s the least appealing option on the list in terms of on-field performance.”
As for “controllable options” – players with controllable contracts – Simmons suggested San Diego’s Drew Pomeranz, Pittsburgh’s Jon Niese, Oakland’s Sonny Gray, Cincinnati’s Dan Straily, Minnesota’s Ervin Santana or Atlanta’s Julio Teheran.
Of Gray, Simmons noted the Jays “paid a significant price to acquire David Price last season so it remains a long shot that the club would move enough prospect capital to land Gray.”
However, Toronto “reportedly scouted the right-hander last week and the club has worked out deals with the Athletics in the past,” noted the Sportsnet.ca writer.
Only time – and more baseball – will tell.
