Toronto Blue Jays: Grading their trade deadline moves
Aaron Loup
The deal:
It was strange to find out that Aaron Loup was the longest-tenured player on the Blue Jays until his trade considering he is only 30-year-old. With so many players being shipped out over the past few years it just goes to show how much turnover there’s been on the roster.
Loup is mainly known as a left-handed specialist and this season he’s had his ups and downs with a 4.54 ERA in 50 games this season.
During his seven seasons with Toronto from 2012 to 2018, Loup pitched to a record of 12-20 with a 3.47 ERA and 297 strikeouts in 369 games.
There were times when fans were nervous to see Loup take the mound but he did show enough to earn chances to stick around and at times he proved to be a valuable member of the bullpen.
In return, the Blue Jays received Jacob Waguespack, a six-foot-six, 225-pound pitcher who only had to walk to the other dugout with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs playing in Buffalo this week.
He is projected to be a reliever according to Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs who provided a brief scouting report on the Jays newest pitching prospect.
Jacob Waguespack (from PHI to TOR for Aaron Loup) four-pitch righty with 90-93mph fastball. Odd-looking drop and drive delivery creates good angle on the fastball up in the zone. Could be solid reliever if one of the offspeed pitches (he has three) is tuned up. He's 24, at AAA.
— Eric Longenhagen (@longenhagen) July 31, 2018
The 24-year-old has started 15 games this season and has a 4-6 record and a 4.68 ERA between double-A and triple-A. He could be a callup option with the Blue Jays needing to move relievers beteen Buffalo and Toronto.
Until then it’s hard to say if he has the ability to be an effective reliever until he gets some time in the majors.
Early Grade: C-