Over time, general managers build reputations, developing specific niches for which they\u2019re known. Seattle\u2019s Jerry Dipoto has his constant stream of trades. For San Diego\u2019s A.J. Preller, it\u2019s star splashes. Atlanta\u2019s Alex Anthopoulos locks up young players to long-term deals.<\/p>\n
Nine years into his tenure as Toronto Blue Jays general manager, Ross Atkins\u2019 niche might be long-term pitching moves at the trade deadline. He has overseen four clear buying deadlines in Toronto. In each of those, the Jays acquired at least one controllable pitcher \u2014 five starters and four relievers with multiple years remaining. It\u2019s not always a closer or ace, with quality ranging from Mike Bolsinger to Jos\u00e9 Berr\u00edos, but there\u2019s a clear playbook Atkins could return to this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor individuals who could be here for extended periods of time,\u201d Atkins said after the 2022 deadline. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen huge benefits in that, the continuity of guys being together.\u201d<\/p>\n
After winning a series against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, the Jays sit with the best record in baseball, 63-43. Things are clicking, but the upcoming trade deadline presents a final opportunity to bolster the team ahead of October. Atkins discussed the need for a bat earlier this summer, and the Jays, per a league source, are turning over every stone in the relief market.<\/p>\n
But with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer set for free agency in the offseason, the Jays could, once again, build depth for the 2025 rotation while filling open holes beyond. Here are a few long-term options who could be available this week.<\/p>\n
Controllable Starting Pitchers<\/p>\n
Pitcher<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hand<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team Control<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/tr>\n
RHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Twins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
2.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Pirates<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
3.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Marlins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
2.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Marlins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
3.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Athletics<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
2.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Athletics<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
3.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LHP<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
Royals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
1.5 years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Joe Ryan, Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara are the biggest fish in this controllable pool, all under team control for at least two seasons after 2025 with top-of-rotation upside.<\/p>\n
Jeffrey Springs is a particularly interesting fit in the lower tier. He has a 4.13 ERA on the season and 4.01 mark away from Sacramento, projecting as a mid- or back-of-rotation lefty. He may not be an immediate upgrade in Toronto\u2019s rotation, but with 110 career relief appearances (including two follower outings this year), Springs could join the bullpen and act as 2025 depth before rejoining the Jays\u2019 starting staff next year. He\u2019s owed $10.5 million next year with a $15 million club option for 2027.<\/p>\n
Another long-term starter who should be available is Athletics righty Luis Severino. While the veteran expressed dissatisfaction with the Sacramento set up, and his road splits are much better, Severino isn\u2019t missing bats at all this season. He has a 4.95 ERA and a 4.53 expected mark. The 31-year-old is owed $25 million next season and holds a $22 million player option for 2027.<\/p>\n