The Toronto Blue Jays' days in first place have just begun, but they'll have to work hard to extend them deep into the summer.
After a fantastic stretch that included a 10-game winning streak, the Blue Jays blew past the New York Yankees in early July. But New York is now the team on a four-game heater, and the Blue Jays' roster isn't necessarily better on paper.
Fortunately, the trade deadline is an opportunity for any team to boost its roster, and the Blue Jays, a year after trading away most of their rentals, look like surefire buyers. Could an ex-Yankees starter actually be of service to Toronto this summer?
That's what Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly seems to think.
On Friday, Kelly named Athletics starter Luis Severino, who is struggling mightily to pitch in the Triple-A ballpark the A's call home these days, as an ideal trade fit for the Blue Jays at this year's deadline.
"The Blue Jays make sense as a landing spot because they are currently in first place in the AL East, and they could use another pitcher capable of starting a postseason game," wrote Kelly. "Additionally, Severino would give Toronto an insurance policy if Chris Bassitt leaves in free agency after this season.
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"This would likely be more of a salary dump—even if the A's have to eat some money—so Toronto shouldn't be expected to give up a franchise-altering prospect(s) to facilitate this deal. A Single-A pitcher with a relatively live arm who's a lottery ticket might do the trick."
Severino currently owns a 7.04 ERA in the bandbox the A's occupy in West Sacramento, but a 3.04 ERA on the road. It could be seen as a risk for Toronto to take on the remainder of his three-year, $67 million contract (this is year one), but risks are often necessary to win championships.
And if it doesn't take much prospect capital, as Kelly insinuates, the financially abundant Blue Jays don't have a lot of reason to say no here.
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