The Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason currently is defined by a couple of near-misses.
The Blue Jays, who have been quiet this offseason after making a flurry of moves last year, nearly traded for second baseman Ian Kinsler and starting pitcher Brett Anderson in separate deals earlier this winter, according to SportsNet.ca’s Shi Davidi. The deals fell apart, however, and Kinsler ended up with the Detroit Tigers and Anderson with the Colorado Rockies.
The Blue Jays’ pursuit of Kinsler reportedly fell apart because of the three-time All-Star’s no-trade clause. The Texas Rangers were forced to look elsewhere for a deal, and Kinsler subsequently was traded to the Tigers for Prince Fielder.
Toronto reportedly almost landed Anderson in exchange for reliever Sergio Santos, but talks crumbled because of concerns over Anderson’s injury risk. The Oakland Athletics then sent Anderson to the Rockies for Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Wednesday that the Blue Jays remain “very active and very involved” in the pursuit of pitching help. Davidi suggests Toronto is monitoring free agents Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana, as well as Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who many believe could be traded before Opening Day.
The American League East once again figures to be competitive in 2014, and the Blue Jays, who stumbled through a disappointing 2013 campaign, could find themselves in trouble if they don’t make any moves. Adding Kinsler (considered one of the best offensive second basemen in baseball) and Anderson (an injury-plagued, 25-year-old lefty with potential) certainly would have helped Toronto’s effort to contend this season.
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