The Toronto Blue Jays 2023 season is shaping up to be a pretty fun one. With the additions of new players like Daulton Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier, but also the new staff additions like Don Mattingly to the bench. This Blue Jays organization has its eyes on being a real contender. However, even some of the best teams at the Major League level make some in-season trades. Let’s take a look at some potential Blue Jays trade chips coming into the new season!
Cavan Biggio, Infielder
Let’s start with Cavan Biggio, a 27-year-old utility player for the Toronto Blue Jays. Cavan came up in that next wave of Blue Jays with Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Bo Bichette, but seemingly never found the success at the Major League level those two did. Obviously, the projections for Cavan weren’t as high as the other two, but it’s not like Biggio can’t be a successful Major Leaguer. The 5th-round pick has a career batting average of .228, thirty-seven home runs, and one-hundred and twenty-seven runs batted in over four seasons. With the Blue Jays adding players like Brandon Belt this offseason, Whit Merrifield last season, and the emergence of Santiago Espinal, the Blue Jays now have some depth they can work with. There have already been rumors that the 27-year-old may be moved in a deal for some relief pitching.
Ricky Tiedemann, Pitcher
The next potential Blue Jays trade chip is top pitching prospect, Ricky Tiedemann. The 20-year-old left-handed pitcher was the only Blue Jays prospect named in MLB Pipelines top-100. A significant accomplishment for any prospect, as Tiedemann came in at thirty-second overall. The left-hander had an impressive season last year across multiple levels. Tiedemann even got the chance to pitch for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in double-A, skyrocketing through the system. In four starts with New Hampshire, Tiedemann had fourteen strikeouts through eleven innings showing how dominant his stuff can be. It’ll be interesting to see if the Blue Jays lean to keep the left-hander or move him in a trade for Major League talent.
Orelvis Martinez, Shortstop/Third Baseman
The next player that can potentially find their name in Blue Jays trade speculation is prospect shortstop/third baseman, Orelvis Martinez. With Matt Chapman and Bo Bichette already holding those positions at the Major League level, it may lead to Orelvis being dealt. With the rumors of a Matt Chapman extension and Bo Bichette being only 24 years old, it might be what works best for all parties. Martinez is a prospect who projects to be ready in 2023, packs great power in his bat, and looks to be a really intriguing prospect for any team. Last season in New Hampshire, Martinez hit thirty home runs with seventy-six runs batted in over four-hundred and thirty-three at-bats. Martinez could be used in a bigger deal that may bring back some serious talent.
Nate Pearson, Pitcher
Nate Pearson is a name many baseball fans have become familiar with. As a prospect with such high pedigree using his high-velocity fastball, Nate Pearson was projected to be one of the next young stars of Major League Baseball. However, due to a flurry of injuries that caused a major setback, we are still yet to see what Nate Pearson can bring. We’ve seen some good and bad flashes at the Major League level, but there’s no real answer still for what Pearson can be at the Majors. With the Blue Jays’ addition of Chris Bassit this offseason, perhaps the Blue Jays move Pearson for a safer arm and one they can rely on more. At this stage, it’s unclear if Pearson will be a starter or bullpen piece, but it’s without a doubt the Blue Jays right-hander doesn’t have nearly the value he once had. The 26-year-old has a 5.18 earned run average with thirty-six strikeouts over thirty-three innings in the Majors.
One thing about the Blue Jays’ management is that they are always active, always looking to add to the Major League roster. It’s unclear right now who might be first to go, but I’m sure once we get closer to the season, General Manager Ross Atkins will be working the phones. With a Blue Jays roster this deep, It’s not looking good for a lot of players that are outside looking in. As for prospects, when a team’s contending, usually they’re the first ones to get moved. It’s fun to be a Blue Jays fan right now, especially with everything ahead!
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