Blue Jays by the numbers: Pitching help available on trade market

Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir are off the market, but the Toronto Blue Jays still have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to starting pitchers believed to be available by trade.

In fact, there are at least 10 starters out there that would give Toronto the rotation upgrade they desperately need. With Aaron Sanchez joining the bullpen, there's now less emphasis on bringing in a high-profile reliever. Here are the names the Blue Jays have been linked to and how likely they are to acquire them before the trade deadline hits at 4 p.m. ET on July 31.

BETTER THAN GOOD

RHP Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox (3.91 ERA, 3.52 FIP, 2.5 fWAR)

Samardzija has been one of few bright spots on the South Side of Chicago this season, but could be on the move because of his pending free agency. Based on his talent (a notch below the game's best) and what it would take to acquire him (a couple prospects), he seems like the most likely candidate to be wearing a Blue Jays uniform after the deadline.

RHP Mike Fiers, Milwaukee Brewers (3.94 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 1.5 fWAR)

Fiers to the Blue Jays has become a hot topic in recent days. The 30-year-old doesn't throw hard but still racks up strikeouts (9.32 K/9). However, his low groundball rate (37.7%) isn't a great fit for the Rogers Centre. He's also under team control through 2019.

DEFINITE POSSIBILITY

RHP Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds (3.78 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 1.4 fWAR)

Like Fiers, Leake isn't a power pitcher. He doesn't have the strikeout numbers, but he makes up for it with better command (2.31 BB/9) and a great groundball rate (52.0%). The Reds have already traded their ace Cueto. There's a good chance Leake, a free agent this offseason, is next and won't cost as much to get.

RHP Hisashi Iwakuma, Seattle Mariners (4.50 ERA, 5.13 FIP, -0.2 fWAR)

The 34-year-old right-hander has only made seven starts this season due to injury, but he's looked good in his last three starts (20 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 18 SO, 4 BB) and based on his track record over the past three years (3.11 ERA between 2012-2014) would be worth a flyer if the price is right.

MAYBE ... MAYBE NOT

RHP James Shields, San Diego Padres (3.77 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 0.9 fWAR)

With the Padres sagging behind the Dodgers and Giants in the NL West, Shields is a potential trade chip even after signing a four-year deal with San Diego this past offseason. His experience in the American League would be a nice bonus. It's tough to see Toronto taking on all the guaranteed money he's still owed though.

RHP Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres (3.93 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 1.3 fWAR)

Cashner could also be heading out of San Diego. He's not a rental either, as he comes with another year of control beyond this one and is still only 28.

RHP Dan Haren, Miami Marlins (3.51 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 0.5 fWAR)

Haren's numbers aren't overwhelming by any means but he's a veteran pitcher that could be had fairly easily and provide Toronto with some solid innings down the stretch.

SO YOU'RE SAYING THERE'S A CHANCE

LHP David Price, Detroit Tigers (2.31 ERA, 2.81 FIP, 3.6 fWAR)

Landing a pitcher with Price's pedigree would be an unbelievable coup for the Blue Jays. It's just difficult to see it happening. It would take a strong package of at least three prospects to get it done and if the All-Star left-hander does indeed become available, there will be plenty of competition for his services.

RHP Mat Latos, Miami Marlins (4.48 ERA, 3.32 FIP, 1.3 fWAR)

According to most reports the Jays just aren't all that interested in Latos, who has been better of late (2.83 ERA since June 1) after a rocky start to 2015. The 27-year-old right-hander could be an option though if other preferred scenarios don't work out.

THE LONGSHOT

LHP Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies (3.64 ERA, 3.20 FIP, 2.7 fWAR)

Hamels has been on the block for awhile now and can control where he goes with a limited no-trade clause in his contract. By all accounts Toronto isn't high on his list of potential destinations, but it's not completely out of the question.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr