The Toronto Blue Jays could look to add another high-leverage reliever this offseason. With most of the top free agents already signed, the team may pursue a trade to bolster their bullpen. According to Heavy.com, there is a potential trade scenario that would see the Blue Jays acquire right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for fan-favorite outfielder Nathan Lukes in a one-for-one swap.
### Proposed Trade Details:
– **Blue Jays acquire:** RHP Dennis Santana
– **Pirates acquire:** OF Nathan Lukes
This proposed deal makes sense for both teams. Toronto would be trading from a position of strength in the outfield to add a reliable reliever for their bullpen’s backend. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh would get a much-needed bat and could sell high on Santana, who is under team control for one more season.
### Dennis Santana’s Profile
Last season with the Pirates, Santana posted a 4-5 record with a 2.18 ERA in 70 games, converting 16-of-19 save opportunities. Although he struggled during his time with the New York Yankees, his recent success with Pittsburgh shows promise. Santana would enter Spring Training competing for the closer role alongside Jeff Hoffman, who struggled with home run issues last season.
### Nathan Lukes’ Profile
Nathan Lukes has been a key contributor for the Blue Jays, playing both right and left field. He hit .255 with 12 home runs and 65 RBIs last season, serving as a top-of-the-order contact hitter. However, his role in Toronto might diminish, especially if the team signs outfielder Kyle Tucker. For Pittsburgh, Lukes would be an impactful bat and a solid table-setter for the middle of their lineup.
### Blue Jays’ Outfield Depth Could Spark Trades
Toronto boasts an abundance of outfield options heading into next season, including Daulton Varsho, Anthony Santander, Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger, George Springer, and Joey Loperfido. Given this surplus, the Blue Jays are likely to trade one of their outfielders to strengthen their bullpen.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal hinted that Toronto may use players like Lukes, Straw, or Loperfido as trade chips for relievers. Rosenthal noted, “One way for the Blue Jays to add a reliever is by trading one of their lesser outfielders, an option they are considering according to people briefed on their plans… Lukes, Straw, and Loperfido all would be possibilities to move, along with a few others.”
While Straw and Loperfido are well-liked in the clubhouse, Lukes and Loperfido likely hold the most trade value, meaning one of them could be on the move in the near future.
### Recent Blue Jays Bullpen Moves
The Blue Jays have already made two bullpen additions recently, though neither appears to be a contender for the closer role. Toronto acquired sidearmer Chase Lee from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for minor-leaguer Johan Simon. Lee, a rookie last season, went 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA across 32 games. He is also an option to be sent down to the minors, providing roster flexibility.
Additionally, Toronto signed right-handed pitcher Tyler Rogers to a three-year, $37 million contract, which includes a fourth-year team option. Rogers, another sidearmer, can serve as a high-leverage reliever.
### What’s Next for the Blue Jays?
Despite these moves, the Blue Jays could still look to add another high-impact reliever to compete with Jeff Hoffman for the closer’s role. Acquiring Dennis Santana via trade could be a key step toward shoring up their bullpen and improving their chances in the competitive American League East.
Stay tuned as the Blue Jays navigate their offseason moves and look to build a stronger roster for the upcoming season.
https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/trade-idea-outfielder-hoffman-replacement/