The Blue Jays need to replace Alek Manoah in their starting rotation after his struggles this year. They will turn to the trade block to do so.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the best teams in the MLB. They have a glaring problem with their roster though. They're missing a starting pitcher or two to complete their rotation and keep it consistent down the stretch of the season. This gap in the rotation is mainly due to the fact that their 2022 ace, Alek Manoah has struggled beyond comprehension.
The Blue Jays only had one option with Manoah. They couldn't continue to give him the ball every fifth day. His potential is way too high to get rid of him, and his value is as low as ever. So, the Blue Jays sent him to their rookie-level FCL team.
With a gaping hole in their rotation, the Blue Jays will need to look to the trade block to replace their former ace.
Adding Shane Bieber could replace Alek Manoah for the Blue Jays
Shane Bieber would be an expensive addition for the Blue Jays to make, but he would certainly be worth it. Bieber comes with two years of team control and a 3.51 ERA in 2023. The Guardians might look to ship Bieber, as they have a loaded farm system that could get much better with the departure of their ace.
Bieber has been a workhorse for the Guardians this year, throwing almost 100 innings already. He has also been extremely consistent, not just this year, but over the last four or five seasons of his career. He isn't the strikeout pitcher that he once was, now posting a career low in K/9, but his ERA and WHIP are both respectable and his ability to win is hard to recreate.
Bieber would be a great addition to the Blue Jays rotation, giving the team a former Cy Young winner to compliment Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt at the top of the rotation in Toronto.
This trade might cost the Blue Jays a pretty penny, likely some of their top prospects in order to acquire the top AL pitchers. If the Guardians are selling at the deadline and make Bieber available, the Blue Jays need to be prepared to give their best offer to Cleveland.
A reunion with Marcus Stroman would provide an ace to replace Alek Manoah
This reunion makes complete sense for both the Blue Jays and for Marcus Stroman. The only side it might not make sense for is the Cubs, who have caught fire as of late, gaining traction in the NL playoff race. But, before the deadline, if the Cubs struggle and opt to sell, this trade could be the perfect option for everybody involved.
The first glaring reason is Stroman's history in Toronto. He was loved by most of the fan base and that love was reciprocated the entire time he was with the team. A reunion would bring Stroman back where he started, in a city and system that he is quite familiar with.
Stroman noted that the Cubs hadn't responded to him and his agent about a contract extension, making it a bit more reasonable for the ace to be dealt.
Stroman is in the midst of one of his best seasons yet, chasing an NL Cy Young Award where he sits as one of the best pitchers in the National League. His 2.45 ERA, 8 wins, 1.04 WHIP and .191 batting average allowed all rank first among NL starting pitchers.
Stroman wouldn't just be an addition to the end of the Blue Jays rotation. He would slot in as the ace. The same role that Manoah was expected to have after his incredible 2022 season.
Lucas Giolito would be the perfect candidate for the Blue Jays to replace Alek Manoah
Lucas Giolito has been tied to trade rumors because of his one-year contract and the struggles with the White Sox.
The White Sox are in prime position to blow up their roster and follow the blueprint that has been set and executed by the Orioles and the Reds over the last few seasons. These two teams have blown up their MLB roster and accepted they wouldn't compete for a few seasons. They built their farm systems and now those young prospects are here and performing. The White Sox could rebuild this way as well.
Chicago could kickstart their rebuild by dealing Giolito before the deadline. And there aren't many better places for him than in Toronto. The Blue Jays lineup is good enough to carry them for the most part, as long as their rotation is consistent. And Giolito has been consistently good for the entire season.
So far, Giolito is allowing fewer hits and fewer walks per nine than he did in 2022. He would provide the Blue Jays with a middle-of-the-rotation reliever that could consistently get them outs and put them in position to win. If Giolito is available at the deadline, the Blue Jays need to make an offer.
