Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman is considered a lock to be dealt before the July 31 trade deadline, and one team keeps coming up as a leading suitor.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Minnesota Twins have displayed “continued interest” in Stroman as the deadline approaches.
Sources: #Twins showing continued interest in Marcus Stroman, as I referenced in this story over the weekend: https://t.co/LFjSQdX1yb @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2019
The Twins need starting pitching, and Stroman figures to be one of the top names available this July. While Minnesota boasts Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi, none of their other starters have an ERA under four.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic indicated that the Atlanta Braves are a possibility for Stroman, though they may have greater interest in teammate Ken Giles.
Alex Anthopoulos rejected contract extension from #BlueJays in Oct. 2015 rather than remain GM under incoming president Mark Shapiro. After AA took over #Braves in Nov. 2017, some in industry believed TOR would not trade with ATL due to lingering resentment over his departure 1/2 https://t.co/k1T4G6VrpM
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 21, 2019
If #BlueJays indeed were reluctant to trade with #Braves, that stance has softened, sources say. Thus, Stroman and/or Giles to ATL possible. As Dave notes, Giles might be preference. Anthopoulos acquired two of his other former Jays – Bautista (later released) and Donaldson. 2/2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 21, 2019
Minnesota will face competition for Stroman, who figures to be in high demand. He has a 3.06 ERA in 20 starts to date this season.
