Blue Jays trade deadline yard sale guide: Guys with term

On Wednesday in this space we discussed the rental players the Toronto Blue Jays could move at the deadline. Since the club has no chance of competing in 2018, there’s no reason not to ship those players out of town.

The players on this list are a little more complicated, though. The Blue Jays could conceivably hold onto them to be a part of future teams, but the best move would probably still be to see what the return for them on the trade market is.

Technically speaking, most Blue Jays could fit this description, but between players that could be part of the team’s future (like Teoscar Hernandez and Randal Grichuk), guys it doesn’t seem wise to sell low on (like Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez), and an injured fan favourite who plays a position where all the contenders are set (Kevin Pillar), most don’t end up working as trade bait.

Here are three that do:

The Scarce Resource: Justin Smoak

Age: 31

Position: First Base

2018 Salary: $4.125 million

Control beyond 2018: 2019 club option for $8 million

2018 Stats: .245/.364/.480 with 16 HR, 52 RBI, and 1.3 WAR in 368 plate appearances

Potential role for a contender: First Baseman and 5-7 spot hitter

Because Smoak hasn’t matched his outstanding 2017, the perception is that this year has been a disappointment. However, in a year where first baseman overall have struggled — particularly in the American League – Smoak has actually been among the league’s best. He currently ranks seventh in the majors in wRC+ at his position — and first in the AL — with a 130 mark. For a contender with a scuffling first baseman, like the Yankees, he could be a nifty add.

Although the Blue Jays could hold onto him, it bears asking whether he has a chance to be a part of the next good Toronto team given that he’s 31 and only under club control through 2019. At his age he doesn’t feel like an extension candidate and it’s hard to imagine him pushing the club over the edge next year.

Meanwhile there’s a serious need for a guy like Smoak for a few contenders. The Mariners have a black hole at first at the moment with Ryon Healy, Greg Bird hasn’t come around in New York yet, and there’s probably a creative swap to be made with the Indians involving the underperforming Yonder Alonso.

Smoak won’t return anything franchise-changing, but he’s cheap and effective, and fits a couple of holes elsewhere. That’s a good starting point for a deal.

The Swiss Army Knife: Yangervis Solarte

Age: 31

Position: Second Base/Third Base/Emergency Shortstop/Left Field (?)

2018 Salary: $4.125 million

Control beyond 2018: 2019 club option for $5.5 million, 2020 club option for $8 million

2018 Stats: 241/.297/.422 with 16 HR, 48 RBI, and 0.0 WAR in 397 plate appearances

Potential role for a contender: Utility man, top-notch insurance policy, pinch hitter with pop

The “sell-high” potential on Solarte isn’t what it once was as his production has been in a steady decline of late. Even so, he is still affordable, versatile, and brings a little bit of power to a lineup. His two years of team control beyond this season are appealing, especially because they are dual club options.

Solarte isn’t a blue-chip asset on the trade market, but he would make a number of contenders a tiny bit better — which is a good start. Because of his term, there isn’t a great deal of urgency to move on from the energetic Venezualan as there will be other opportunities — perhaps when his value is higher.

That doesn’t mean the Blue Jays shouldn’t listen, though, because Solarte is a complementary piece rather than a difference maker. Pieces are important to playoff teams, but Toronto needs building blocks — or at least prospects who have some chance, however remote, of becoming building blocks.

The Trusted Bullpen Arm: Seunghwan Oh

Age: 36

Position: Reliever

2018 Salary: $1.750 million

Control beyond 2018: 2019 club option for $2.5 million

2018 Stats: 44.2 IP 10.68 K/9, 2.01 BB/9, 1.01 HR/9, 2.82 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 0.8 WAR

Potential role for a contender: Middle Reliever

With a 2.82 ERA and 3.18 FIP to his name, Oh has arguably been the most reliable man in the Blue Jays bullpen this season. He doesn’t have the same velocity he once possessed, but he still wields a deadly slider and some nifty complementary pitches in his curveball and splitter.

At his very modest price tag, he’s an absolute steal and he’s been good enough to fit in virtually any bullpen. Not only does he present an upgrade for the stretch run, he’s also got a dirt-cheap option for 2019 for teams with a window that includes next year.

Given his age and the fact he’s not a “big arm” he won’t bring back a dazzling haul, but the extra year of control at just $2.5 million will certainly sweeten the pot.

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