Examining Five Blue Jays Prospects Who Could Receive Major League Showcases Post-Trade Deadline
As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in an unfamiliar position: sellers rather than buyers for the first time since 2019. This shift in strategy implies significant changes ahead for their roster, potentially altering the landscape of their team in the coming weeks.
While the exact magnitude of these changes remains uncertain, the focus for the Blue Jays’ front office is expected to revolve around their pending free agents. Players like Yusei Kikuchi, Yimi García, Trevor Richards, Justin Turner, Danny Jansen, and Kevin Kiermaier are all potentially on the trading block. Although this would constitute a modest sell-off, replacing these key figures in the lineup will necessitate careful consideration and may require delving deeper into their farm system to fill resulting gaps on the big-league roster.
However, this task is complicated by current injuries and eligibility issues among their prospects, both in pitching and position-player categories. For instance, injuries to Ricky Tiedemann and Adam Macko, two promising pitchers, currently hinder their immediate availability. Additionally, Orelvis Martinez, a standout talent, is ineligible due to a suspension, further limiting their options.
Despite these challenges, the Blue Jays maintain a reservoir of talent within their minor league system. As they brace for potential departures post-trade deadline, attention turns to five prospects who could step up and earn their big-league debut.
**INF/OF Addison Barger**
Addison Barger has already tasted major league action twice in 2024, albeit with mixed results. His recent return to triple-A Buffalo has been promising, marked by improved plate discipline and offensive production. Barger’s versatility, capable of playing both infield and outfield positions, makes him a valuable asset for the Blue Jays. With impending trades possibly opening up playing opportunities at third base, designated hitter, and outfield, Barger stands poised to capitalize on increased playing time to showcase his skills. A left-handed hitter, Barger must make the most of this opportunity, as he enters tthe final phase of his minor league options in 2025.
RHP Chad Dallas
Chad Dallas faces the daunting challenge of addressing Toronto’s pitching needs amidst a lackluster season in triple-A. Despite struggling with consistency and a career-low strikeout rate, Dallas closed the first half of 2024 on a high note. His ability to bounce back with an impressive performance, including a season-best eight strikeouts over four scoreless innings, may thrust him into contention for a spot in the Blue Jays’ starting rotation. With uncertainties surrounding the availability of other pitching prospects, Dallas’ development could be accelerated at the major league level, particularly if Yusei Kikuchi departs, leaving a void in the starting rotation.
LHP Mason Fluharty
Amidst a challenging season for Buffalo’s pitching staff, Mason Fluharty emerges as a beacon of hope. The left-handed reliever has showcased notable progress in his third professional season, boasting a commendable strikeout-to-walk ratio and effective pitch repertoire. Fluharty’s ability to stymie both left- and right-handed hitters underscores his potential to bolster Toronto’s bullpen—a critical area needing reinforcement. While not yet on the 40-man roster and not eligible for Rule 5 selection until after 2025, Fluharty’s contributions could prove instrumental in the short-term and possibly secure a long-term role within the Blue Jays’ bullpen.
RHP Eric Pardinho
Once hailed as a promising prospect, Eric Pardinho has navigated setbacks but now finds himself on the cusp of a major league debut. Despite recent struggles with command following his promotion to triple-A, Pardinho has maintained an impressive strikeout rate, demonstrating resilience and potential. His development remains a work in progress, yet his ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his splitter, positions him as a viable option for the Blue Jays’ bullpen down the stretch. As a Rule 5-eligible player this winter, Pardinho’s performance in the coming months could determine his future with the team.
LHP Trenton Wallace
Trenton Wallace, a left-handed pitcher, has quietly amassed an impressive record in double-A, boasting a robust strikeout rate over two seasons. With a unique pitching style characterized by a high three-quarter arm slot, Wallace has garnered attention for his ability to command the mound effectively. Although his elevated walk rate and susceptibility to home runs present challenges, Wallace’s potential as either a starter or multi-inning reliever could make him a future asset for the Blue Jays. A promotion to triple-A appears imminent, offering Wallace an opportunity to further refine his skills and bolster his candidacy for a major league call-up.
In conclusion, as the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for a potentially transformative trade deadline, the spotlight shifts to these five prospects poised to step up and make their mark at the highest level. Their performances in the coming weeks could not only shape the team’s immediate roster decisions but also influence the franchise’s long-term planning and development strategy. For these young players, the post-trade deadline period represents a pivotal opportunity to showcase their talents and stake their claim in the future of Blue Jays baseball.
