Toronto Blue Jays: Did They do Enough at the Trade Deadline?

The additions the Toronto Blue Jays made at the trade deadline improved the team, but none of the players are the type that will guarantee them success.

The MLB Trade Deadline has now passed and the question is: did the Toronto Blue Jays do enough?

The two main additions to the Jays at the trade deadline are Francisco Liriano and Scott Feldman. They also added Melvin Upton Jr. and Joaquin Benoit within the last week.

The Jays shipped out Jesse Chavez, Drew Hutchison, Drew Storen and some prospects that haven’t pitched in the big leagues.

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Liriano has struggled with a 5.46 ERA, but prior to 2016, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball. Over his previous three seasons, he posted a 3.02 ERA, 3.38 ERA, and 3.38 ERA from 2013 to 2015 respectively.

Liriano has also pitched with Russell Martin in the past and the re-connection could help the veteran get back to his prior form. The unfortunate part about this addition means it’s pretty much a sealed deal Aaron Sanchez moves to the bullpen soon, especially after hearing Atkins address the media on Monday.

Feldman has had an excellent campaign and essentially replaces Chavez, who’s been roughed up all season out of the bullpen. Feldman has a 2.90 ERA and 1.24 WHIP this season.

Further, we can’t ignore Feldman’s 12 year career 4.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. He’ll be the guy in the pen who can be stretched out to multiple relief innings, or even get a spot start should it be required.

Benoit is definitely an upgrade from Storen and has yet to allow a run in three appearances. He was previously one of the most feared relievers in the league, as recently as last season.

From 2013 to 2015, Benoit posted a 2.01 ERA, 1.49 ERA, and a 2.34 ERA respectively. The hope is he returns to his previous form, like Liriano, and so far the change of scenery is working out for the righty.

Upton adds depth to the Jays, bringing excellent defense, a bit of power and a bunch of speed, although he has yet to adjust to his new role. He’s had just one hit over 10 at bats.

Upton has a career batting average of .245 and is hitting just .251 this season. He also strikes out a lot and has struck out just over 30.5 percent of his at bats in 2016, which is just above his 30 percent career strikeout average.

When looking at these additions and subtractions to the big league team, the Blue Jays undoubtedly improved their ball club. They added depth and improved their roster, but is this enough for the Jays to make the playoffs and eventually win the World Series?

General manager Ross Atkins and the Jays addressed two key issues, by getting rid of Chavez and Storen. Both relievers completely under-performed and cost the team several games this season.

However, although the acquisitions the Jays made at trade deadline improved the team, none of the additions stand out as the type of player guaranteed to take them over the top, the way David Price did in 2015. Further, all the additions have one thing in common and that is risk.

The Jays didn’t have many chips to play with here and they’ve come out a better ball club. However, they are really taking a gamble in hoping these moves are enough to win the World Series.

They are hoping the old Liriano shows up to the ball park. They are hoping Benoit can be the Benoit of the past. They are hoping Feldman can continue having the best season of his career, and they are hoping Upton Jr. can adjust to playing off the bench.

When you compare the moves the Jays made, to the addition of Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians and Jonathan Lucroy, Carlos Beltran, and Jeremy Jeffress to the Texas Rangers, it appears the Jays didn’t improve as much as two of the three clubs ahead of them in the American League standings.

So did the Jays do enough at the trade deadline to be a true contender in the AL? Maybe, possibly, and hopefully. They already have one heck of a core and it’ll be up to them to bring their A-game from here on out, if they want to stand a chance against the likes of the Rangers and the Indians.

Next: Recapping the Toronto Blue Jays Trade Deadline Day

What do you make of the Jays trade deadline moves? Do you think they have a viable chance at winning the American League Pennant and the World Series? Let us know in the comments below.