The Toronto Blue Jays sit four games back in the AL East heading into Tuesday’s action, and they’re likely eyeing pitching reinforcements as the trade deadline approaches.
While the Blue Jays are holding a wild card spot, their starting rotation has been a liability. Toronto’s starters have posted a 4.65 ERA this season – fifth worst in baseball. Max Scherzer’s return should help, but they’ll need more depth in the rotation.
Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates could be the answer. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Postins suggested the left-hander as a prime target for Toronto.
Proven Reliability
What makes Heaney attractive isn’t flashy stuff – it’s his dependability.
“Heaney’s best quality lately is his durability. Since he signed with the Texas Rangers before the 2023 season, he’s made nearly every scheduled turn in the rotation. He was willing to move into a part-time relief role with the Rangers down the stretch of their World Series run in 2023 and made key postseason appearances as the franchise won its first world title.”
That versatility matters for a team with playoff aspirations. Postins sees Heaney fitting multiple roles for Toronto.
“He can be a fourth or fifth starter in a regular season run to the postseason and then be a fourth starter or swing bullpen arm in the postseason. His postseason experience would be helpful to Toronto, too.”
The Numbers Work
Heaney’s putting together a solid campaign with the Pirates, posting a 3.33 ERA across 14 starts. Pittsburgh’s expected to be sellers at the deadline, making Heaney one of the more available arms on the market.
The financial commitment is manageable too. The 34-year-old is playing on a one-year deal worth less than $6 million.
“For the team that takes him on at the deadline, it would cost less than $3 million in salary, plus whatever must be shipped to Pittsburgh in terms of players or cash,” Postins noted.
That’s exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward move contending teams make. Toronto gets a veteran starter with championship experience without breaking the bank or depleting their farm system.
The Blue Jays have the offense to make noise in October – they just need their rotation to give them a chance. Heaney might be the steady hand that gets them there.
