Shelton: Three starting pitchers the struggling Blue Jays could target

Texas Rangers left-hander Martin Perez would make a nice addition to the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation. Photo: USA Today Sports

July 11, 2022

By Cole Shelton

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation has been hampered by poor performances and injuries.

It’s currently anchored by Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman - once he gets healthy - and Ross Stripling, who has given them some solid innings. Jose Berrios, meanwhile, has been hit and miss while Yusei Kikuchi has been disastrous and Hyun-jin Ryu is lost for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

With the rotation struggling, the Blue Jays will likely look to acquire a starter - or two - at the trade deadline.

Here are three possible targets:

Tyler Mahle, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Tyler Mahle is currently on a one-year deal but if the Blue Jays acquire the right-hander they would have his arbitration rights for the season in which he is 28. The extra year of team control is something the Jays should look to get with Ryu likely being lost for next season as well.

In 2022, Mahle is just 3-7 with a 4.48 ERA and although the numbers are not pleasant, part of that is due to his early season struggles. In his last five starts he’s 1-2 with a 2.76 ERA over 32 1/3 innings.

Mahle is currently on the injured list but will be healthy by the end of July which is right before the trade deadline. He likely won’t cost a ton and he is known for getting weak contact.

Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers

If the Blue Jays want to replace Yusei Kikuchi with another left-hander, Martin Perez would be a great fit.

A bright spot in the Rangers’ rotation, Perez is 7-2 with a 2.72 ERA this season. In his last five games, he’s 3-0 with a 3.98 ERA. He’s on his third team in four years but his success this season can be attributed to the fact that he has located his sinker better and his changeup has been getting whiffs. This season, the changeup has a 33.2% whiff rate and only his sinker has an exit velocity of over 90. He has only given up six home runs over 106 innings.

A free agent at the end of the season, Perez would be a pure rental, but if the Blue Jays like him they could try to re-sign him.

Chad Kuhl, RHP, Colorado Rockies

Chad Kuhl has been a pleasant surprise for the Colorado Rockies, going 6-5 with a 4.02 ERA this season. A starter and reliever throughout his career, Kuhl was signed to a one-year deal and he has been a solid fifth starter this season.

Kuhl does, however, have some stats that could be concerning to the Blue Jays. He has below-average hard-hit and strikeout percentages which will likely correct itself. In hitter-friendly ballparks in the AL East that could be a concern, but Kuhl would likely cost the Blue Jays the least.