The Toronto Blue Jays were one of baseball’s hottest teams heading into the all-star break.
The bats have come around after a sluggish start. The defence remains top-notch, and the club’s starting pitchers have mostly exceeded initial expectations.
On the other hand, the bullpen has not been a strength for the Blue Jays this season. The club has had to mix and match relievers to get to closer Roberto Osuna because of disappointing first-half performances from veterans such as Drew Storen and Brett Cecil.
The club is still expected to move all-star starter Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen later in the season, which would help solve a major need without giving up any prospect capital, but the Blue Jays still could use another middle reliever (potentially a lefty) regardless.
Here are 10 veteran relievers that could appeal to the Blue Jays before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline (the likes of Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller do not appear below because it’s unrealistic to envision the Blue Jays acquiring those players from the Yankees):
RIGHT-HANDED RELIEVERS
Carlos Torres, Milwaukee Brewers: 
Torres, 33, remains under team control for at least two more seasons. He was a useful pitcher with the Mets prior to joining Milwaukee, where he has a solid 3.07 ERA while averaging a strikeout per inning. He could have a lower acquisition cost than some of his Brewers teammates as he’s more suited for a middle relief role.
Jason Motte, Colorado Rockies: 
Motte has one year remaining on his contract — he’s owed $5 million beyond 2016 — so he could appeal to Toronto. The veteran reliever does not have great numbers on the surface (4.76 ERA) but it’s worth noting that he averages a strikeout per inning and has pitched far better on the road (1.35 ERA), away from Coors Field. Motte was stellar with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2009-12, but his production has dropped off in recent seasons.
Tyler Thornburg, Milwaukee Brewers: Even if he’s not as experienced as most relievers on this list, Thornburg has had a recent run of success that should appeal to contenders. Over his last 25 appearances the 27-year-old right-hander has a 1.13 ERA and 31 strikeouts with just 11 hits and seven walks allowed in 24 innings. Of course with numbers like that, the Brewers may simply keep Thornburg, who’s controllable through 2019.
Neftali Feliz, Pittsburgh Pirates: 
It remains to be seen if the Pirates will be willing sellers, but the 28-year-old has rebounded nicely from a rough year in Detroit, going 3-0 with a 2.88 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. Feliz, a free agent after the season, has only allowed one earned run since June 14. He has significant post-season experience, having pitched 18.2 innings in two deep playoff runs with the Texas Rangers, and shouldn’t have too much difficulty transitioning back to the AL.
Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks: 
Like Feliz, Hudson would be a rental. The 29-year-old has reportedly generated trade interest and the Diamondbacks could be transitioning into selling mode after shipping Brad Ziegler to the Boston Red Sox last week. Hudson had impressive numbers this season before being roughed up a bit over his last seven appearances, which raised his ERA to 4.91. He spent some time in the closer’s role for Arizona in June and looks like a potential late-inning option.
HIGH-PRICED CLOSERS
Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers: Jeffress is having his best season of his pro career, which has largely increased his acquisition cost. Plus, he’s under control through the end of the 2019 season. The former Blue Jay has pitched well as the Brewers’ closer this season, recording a 2.35 ERA with 23 saves in 40 appearances. The Miami Marlins reportedly expressed interest in trading for him before acquiring Fernando Rodney from the San Diego Padres.
Jeanmar Gomez, Philadelphia Phillies: 
Gomez’s situation is very comparable to that of Jeffress. He still has plenty of team control but is in the midst of a breakout season, so the rebuilding Phillies might want to capitalize on his trade value. The 28-year-old righty, who was originally acquired by Mark Shapiro and the Indians as an amateur free agent in 2005, has a 2.59 ERA with 24 saves in 41.2 innings this season.
CONTROLLABLE LEFTIES
Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers: Smith could be of interest to the Blue Jays for a handful of reasons. He’s a left-hander, which is an organizational need with Cecil set to hit free agency after 2016, he still has plenty of control (three arbitration years beyond 2016) and he has recorded a 2.12 ERA in 19 games this season after missing the start of the year with a leg injury.
Fernando Abad, Minnesota Twins: 
Abad could be a cheaper alternative to Smith. The 30-year-old has solid numbers this season — a 2.83 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 28.2 innings — and would fit as a left-handed option who can be used in plenty of situations.
Ryan Buchter, San Diego Padres: 
Buchter, a minor league signing this winter, isn’t even close to hitting free agency and has put up very respectable numbers (2.61 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 38.1 innings). The Padres could look to maximize the value of the asset, but he wouldn’t be cheap given his current production.
Honourable Mentions: John Axford (Oakland), Blaine Boyer (Milwaukee), Marc Rzepczynski (Oakland), Tyler Clippard (Arizona).
