Blue Jays on clock to take a big swing at trade deadline. But how big?
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It's no secret the AL East-leading Blue Jays are poised to be buyers when MLB's trade deadline expires at 6 p.m., next Thursday, an off-day for the club.
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A high-leverage arm in the bullpen looms as the team's biggest need, followed by a right-handed bat and, to a lesser extent, a starter.
Precisely one year ago, the Jays were sellers and parted ways with every impending free agent, while also jettisoning Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had signed a two-year deal in free agency the previous off-season.
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Two players the Jays received from the various trades were Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner, who are both with the big-league club after being acquired from Houston.
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Whatever happens and whatever names get bandied about, the trade deadline clock is ticking with the Blue Jays expected to be open for business.
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The term 'all-in' has been broached, but it remains to be seen what impactful deal the Jays are able to engineer.
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It would shock everyone if pending free agents Bo Bichette or Chris Bassitt get moved, but it might also excite many if a blockbuster of significance that helps with all three needs, is completed.
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So, we'd expect the currency the Jays use to bolster the lineup could include Loperfido, Wagner, infielder Leo Jimenez or, most likely, a few minor-league prospects.
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The Jays entered Wednesday's play with a 59-42 record. The AL West-leading Astros are 60-42, and the scuffling Detroit Tigers — who play host to the Jays this weekend in a four-game series — still lead the AL Central with a 60-43 record.
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The Yankees need starting pitching following season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, who was hurt when the Bronx Bombers first visited Toronto some three weeks ago.
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The Yankees are said to be in the market for a third baseman with the team linked to Arizona's Eugenio Suarez. His former team, the Seattle Mariners, are also believed to be interested in a reunion for the all-star, as are the Milwaukee Brewers.
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As recently as last week, some in baseball even had the Blue Jays rumoured to be interested in Suarez.
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