Jason Burgos
After making a notable splash by acquiring 2020 American League Cy Young winner Shane Bieber on Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to an even bigger deal before today’s MLB trade deadline.
Things are starting to heat up in the North. After completing a trade earlier this week with rivals the Baltimore Orioles for Seranthony Domínguez, the Blue Jays acquired two-time All-Star Shane Bieber hours before the trade deadline.
The team has been linked to MLB trade rumors for days to upgrade their starting staff for the stretch run. However, Toronto is reportedly also looking to bolster its bullpen, especially in the back end. Well, according to The Athletic MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Jays are in the chase for the best closer on the trade market.
Toronto Blue Jays targeting Mason Miller trade next?
“The Jays were in on the Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran and are also among the teams pursuing the Athletics’ Mason Miller, according to sources briefed on their discussions,” Rosenthal revealed. “The San Diego Padres are believed to be mounting the most aggressive pursuit of Miller. It’s unclear whether the Jays would part with the package necessary to land a closer who would come with four additional years of control.”
A couple of weeks ago, there was little talk about the one-time All-Star being available this week. However, the speculation has picked up quickly in recent days. Reports on Wednesday suggested the Pads are making a serious push for the talented fireballer. A recent rumor also claimed the A’s are looking for a top 25 prospect overall as the centerpiece of any trade package for Miller.
The 26-year-old would be a huge upgrade to the Blue Jays’ pen. It would give them the high-level closer they need for the stretch run. And push everybody else down into less pressurized roles. While the cost may seem obscene for a reliever, Toronto could see starter potential in Miller long-term. Which would make the asking price more reasonable for a player under team control for four more seasons.
