Toronto Blue Jays: Grading their trade deadline moves
John Axford
The deal:
Unfortunately for John Axford, his childhood dream of playing for the Blue Jays did not last a full season. It should make him feel better knowing that he has a legitimate chance to compete for the World Series with everything the Los Angeles Dodgers have done leading up to the deadline.
The Ax Man posted a 4-1 record in 45 games this season posting a 4.41 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51 innings. His last outing might have been his best where he went three innings giving up only a hit while striking out three batters.
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It has been a tough go for him this season but he’ll get a chance to show the Dodgers that he could be an option for them in the postseason with a strong two-month audition.
The 35-year-old has some experience pitching in the World Series back with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 so that could play into his favour as long as the Dodgers see a need for his services.
Coming to Toronto is Corey Copping who has pitched at both double-A and triple-A. It is not known yet where he will be for the rest of the year but he’s a pitcher that has improved in each season with 2018 being his best one.
In 35 games this season in both leagues, the 24-year-old has a 4-0 record with a combined 2.52 ERA 59 strikeouts over 53.2 innings. He could see some time in Buffalo as a reliever but maybe the Blue Jays will want to get his other pitches to be more consistent so that he doesn’t have to rely too much on his fastball.
Early Grade: C+
Next. Blue Jays prospects who should join Guerrero Jr. in Buffalo. dark
What did you think about the Blue Jays trade deadline moves? Who should be the priority for the team to trade going forward? Let us know in the comments below.