Blue Jays predicted to trade for $115M Cy Young winner in reunion to save injury-riddled rotation

The Toronto Blue Jays are finally getting back on track when it comes to returning players from injury. The starting rotation, in particular, has been riddled with injuries since the beginning of the season.

Toronto's primary goal this offseason was to build one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, and it made significant additions to accomplish that. This week, the Blue Jays welcomed back some arms they have desperately missed.

“Dylan Cease is set to return from a mild left hamstring strain on Tuesday against the Phillies, setting up a marquee matchup against Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler. Max Scherzer, who has been sidelined since late April while dealing with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, will follow on Wednesday as Toronto wraps up its three-game series against Philadelphia at Rogers Centre,” MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan wrote.

If there is one thing the Blue Jays have learned this season, it is that they cannot rely solely on staying healthy. For that reason, they are expected to pursue another starting pitcher at the trade deadline, and one intriguing option is former Blue Jays ace Robbie Ray.

“In the proposed deal, Ray is headed back to Toronto for a solid return. The Giants will get back an instant contributor in the bullpen with the addition of Louis Varland, one of the Blue Jays’ biggest breakout stars, along with two high-end prospects. Gage Santifer is coming off a breakout campaign in his own regard in the minor leagues last season, posting a 2.86 ERA and 161 strikeouts over 110 innings. Sanchez is a power-over-contact infielder with defensive versatility who could come as a massive win for the Giants on the offensive end,” SI’s Ethen Hutton wrote.

The Blue Jays know exactly what Ray is capable of after he won the American League Cy Young Award during his time in Toronto.

“ Robbie Ray has won the 2021 American League Cy Young Award, a fitting end to a career year that saw the left-hander skyrocket from depth starter to the Blue Jays’ ace,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson wrote.

Adding Ray would give Toronto another proven left-handed starter while bringing additional veteran experience to an already talented rotation. If healthy, he would provide even more depth to a staff that is built to compete in October.

Ray is currently playing under a $115 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. He enjoyed tremendous success during his previous stint in Toronto, and if the Blue Jays believe a reunion gives them the best chance to return to the World Series, they could make an aggressive push to bring him back.

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