Toronto Blue Jays Rumours: 4 trade destinations for J.A. Happ

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 25: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 25: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 8: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on June 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have been another NL Central team in the mix for Happ and with a tight divisional race against the Cubs, it would make sense for Milwaukee to explore many options.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Blue Jays have been scouting the Brewers prospect system which means that they are preparing to weigh their trade options from Milwaukee. They are also in the mix for some of the top trade targets like the Yankees which should make for an interesting trade deadline to see which team comes out on top.

"“If we’re going to go and add to this starting staff, we’re going to want it to be somebody who can really impact the team,” Stearns told reporters. “We think we have really good depth in our starting rotation, so for us to go out and trade some young talent to acquire a starting pitcher, it’s not going to be just to add to that depth. It’s going to be a guy who we think can help lead the rotation.”"

Sure going after deGrom or Noah Syndergaard would put the Brewers in a clear contenting position but the Blue Jays could convince them to consider Happ because of his lower value and would still provide Milwaukee with an impact arm.

Considering what the Brewers paid to acquire Christian Yelich, it might be tough to expect them to put together a similar package to acquire a front of the line starter rather than go for the rental option.

At the same time, the Bue Jays would still want to get value in return for Happ who has pitched well in both of his playoff starts with the Blue Jays.