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Toronto Blue Jays: It’s time for retooling, not rebuilding

By Thomas Hall

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 20: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays receives an ovation from the crowd as he exits the game after being relieved in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre on June 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 20: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays receives an ovation from the crowd as he exits the game after being relieved in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre on June 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays pushed the reset button with the trade of Steve Pearce, but who else will be moved between now and July 31?

Toronto Blue Jays general manager, Ross Atkins made it clear the team will be sellers after what has been a disappointing first half of the season. Steve Pearce is just the first domino to fall in what will be a busy couple of months for the Blue Jays’ front office. But who will be next to go?

The Blue Jays are currently evaluating all options on the trade front. But, since this isn’t a total rebuild, there will be a handful of players who are untouchable.

You would have to think those players are; Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, Teoscar Hernandez, Russell Martin and Roberto Osuna. That leaves everyone else on the active roster available.

J.A. Happ is the first name that comes to mind. But guys like Marco Estrada, Tyler Clippard, Ryan Tepera and Kendrys Morales will also likely be moved.

Happ is arguably the best starting pitcher on the trade market. Which almost guarantees he will be dealt to a contending team by July 31. There are three teams rumored to be most interested in his services; the Yankees, Mariners and Phillies.

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I believe the most likely destination for Happ is the Seattle Mariners. Here’s the deal: Happ and cash considerations for pitchers Art Warren and Chase De Jong.

Warren is ranked as the #8 prospect in the Mariners system. De Jong was drafted by the Blue Jays back in 2012 and is the #20 prospect in the Mariners system.

Warren is by far the better pitcher of the two included in the deal. His fastball will top out around 98 mph, and is easily his best pitch.

Plus, he can make an immediate impact for the Blue Jays. Warren profiles as a late-inning bullpen pitcher, because he creates a high amount of strikeouts.

Estrada is the other big name player likely to be moved by the deadline. His former team, the Milwaukee Brewers would be a great trade partner.

The Brewers need starting pitching and the Blue Jays need pitching prospects. The Blue Jays would send Estrada to the Brewers for pitcher Freddy Peralta and catcher Payton Henry.

Peralta would be a perfect fit for the Blue Jays. His ceiling is a middle of the rotation pitcher. Plus, he’s MLB-ready right now and could immediately fill one of the vacant spots in the rotation.

Henry on the other hand, is basically just a depth piece for the Blue Jays. He has the potential to develop into an everyday player at the MLB level, but it will take time for him to develop into that player.

Regardless of what happens on the field this next month, the Blue Jays can’t change the fact they’re sellers. But don’t expect there to be an entire tear down. This will more likely be just a makeover instead.

Next: Who is Santiago Espinal?

Who do you think the Toronto Blue Jays will move before the non-waiver trade deadline? And to where? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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