The Toronto Blue Jays' second half got off to a dream start this weekend.
With a three-game sweep against the San Francisco Giants, the Blue Jays built their lead to three games over the New York Yankees atop the American League East. But it's going to be a tough fight for the rest of the season.
The Blue Jays and Yankees both need starting pitching, so whichever team can land the best starter at the deadline stands a good chance of fending off the other for the division crown this year.
One baseball writer thinks that team will be Toronto.
On Sunday, Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicted that the Blue Jays would acquire Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller, a 2023 All-Star and reliable innings-eater, at the trade deadline.
"Mitch Keller is arguably the top starting pitcher available at the MLB trade deadline, given Sandy Alcantara’s struggles this season. The All-Star hurler is exactly the caliber of starter, especially given his contract, who seems perfect for an aggressive Toronto Blue Jays front office," Johnson wrote.
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"Keller was lights out prior to the All-Star break, posting a 1.96 ERA in 36.2 innings, and the Blue Jays have been saddled with a bottom-10 rotation this season. Keller provides the stability Toronto desperately needs, and he should help them solidify themselves as a legitimate threat to win the AL East this season."
Keller, who finished the first half with a 3.48 ERA and hilarious 3-10 record (wow, the Pirates are bad), has a $77 million extension that runs through 2028. He's slated to make his second-half debut on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers.
If Toronto brings in Keller, they'll boost their odds of snagging the division from the Yankees. It's the type of move teams in a championship window have to make, even if the prospect cost is high.
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