Blue Jays-Marlins trade idea sends high-upside starting pitcher to Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays are currently 40-35 and sit just three-and-a-half games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East.

The Blue Jays have a one-game lead for the second AL wild card spot despite scuffling over their last 10 games.

Toronto has a solid starting rotation but could use another quality starter to solidify their chances at a postseason berth.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand named 14 prime trade candidates and their potential landing spots, including a young hard-throwing starting pitcher from the Miami Marlins.

Right-hander Edward Cabrera could be a perfect match for the Blue Jays if Miami decides to make him available.

Cabrera, 27, has dealt over his last eight starts and has grown his trade value immensely.

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Cabrera had a rough start to the season, posting a 7.23 ERA in four April starts (18.2 innings). He posted a 2.00 ERA over five May starts (27 innings) and a 2.70 ERA in three June starts (13.1 innings).

Many believe Cabrera’s teammate Sandy Alcantara will be on the move at the trade deadline, but Cabrera may be the better option if he’s available.

“It has been widely assumed that Sandy Alcantara would be the most likely Marlins pitcher to be traded, but the former NL Cy Young Award winner has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery,” wrote Feinsand. “Alcantara has pitched better of late and could regain his value with a strong month, but the hard-throwing Cabrera will be a less expensive option in terms of both prospect capital and salary, as he’s earning $1.95 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for three more years after 2025.”

If Toronto can pull off a trade for Cabrera, the starting rotation would be one of the better units in Major League Baseball.

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