Happ and who else will the Blue Jays try to move before the deadline?
Who the Toronto Blue Jays might look to trade at the deadline
By Cole Shelton
Canadian Baseball Network
The Toronto Blue Jays are well out of playoff contention and with the non-waiver trade deadline two weeks away — July 31st — Ross Atkins and company are looking to trade pending free agents to contenders.
Even with Toronto far out of the playoff picture, they still have several players that many teams would love to have on their roster for the stretch run.
From starters to relievers to outfielders, the Blue Jays have it all, and here is who they are most likely to trade at the deadline.
1. LHP J.A. Happ
The best player the Blue Jays currently have to offer is starting pitcher J.A. Happ. Happ, 35, has been arguably the best starting pitcher on the Blue Jays over the past couple of seasons and one of the top left-handers in the league during that time as well.
Happ is one of the premier pitchers on the market because he doesn't allow many base runners. In 109 innings, he has walked 35 batters and has struck out 121. The Blue Jays lefty also appeals to suitors because he has pitched deep into the playoffs and has been traded before so he knows what to expect.
The All-Star southpaw is almost certain to be traded before July 31, and whatever team gets him will be able to use him as a No. 2 or 3 starter.
2. RP Tyler Clippard.
Tyler Clippard originally signed with the Blue Jays as a minor league free agent after a decent 2017 season, where he spent time with three teams. After making the roster out of spring training, Clippard has excelled in high leverage situations and has also been used as a closer during Roberto Osuna's suspension.
With the Blue Jays, Clippard has already appeared in 48 games with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
Clippard could be used as a setup man on a contender. With Toronto, in those late/close appearances, the right-hander has registered a 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP in 22 innings, while walking just five batters and allowing two home runs, according to baseball-savant.
3. RP Seunghwan Oh
Seunghwan Oh was one of the best closers in Korean baseball history and after spending time with the St. Louis Cardinals, the right-hander signed with the Blue Jays this offseason. Since joining Toronto, Oh has been one of, if not the best relievers in the Blue Jays bullpen.
The right-hander owns a 2.82 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings while pitching in high leverage situations. Oh is a good trade target for contending teams because he has an inexpensive club option ($2.5 million or $250,000 buyout) for next season.
4. OF Curtis Granderson
Similar to Clippard and Oh, Curtis Granderson was signed as a free agent this past offseason and is likely to be moved by the deadline.
With the Blue Jays, Granderson has done everything that has been asked of him. The versatile veteran has played all over the outfield and has shown he can still make solid contact and get on base. So far, Granderson is hitting .233 with a .342 on-base percentage and has hit nine home runs.
Granderson would be an asset for a contender because he has played deep into playoffs and can add veteran leadership as a fourth outfielder who he can still hit and play sound defence.
Although those four are the most likely to be traded, the Blue Jays have plenty of other options in Ryan Tepera, Aaron Loup, Marco Estrada and potentially anyone on the roster if the offer is right. It should be an exciting couple of weeks before the deadline as the Blue Jays try to get back the best possible package for every player available.