Happy off-day. After the 10-game win streak, I can use an off day. Howe/ver, after three games in Sacramento, we have a series of off-days, including the All-Star break and the draft.
There is a bit of Jays’ news: Will Robertson was traded to the White Sox for cash. I’m a bit surprised, since the White Sox would be number two on the waiver pickup list, that they bothered to do this trade. I’d guess that the White Sox are sending roughly what the waiver cost would have been—enough for a lovely meal at any but the most expensive restaurants in Toronto.
It’s a good thing for Will; he’s one of a half dozen or so good outfield prospects with the Jays. There will be less competition in Chicago.
The Yankees released DJ LeMahieu. He was third in MVP voting just five years ago. But he’s hitting .266/.338/.336 this season and lost his second base job to Jazz Chisholm last week. DJ turns 37 on Sunday, so it’s likely his MLB career is over, unless someone wants him for his veteran presence. He’s had a very nice 15-year MLB career: 30.7 bWAR, .289/.350/.409 line with 126 home runs and four Gold Gloves.
Jeff Passan suggests a deadline trade for each of the contenders. For the Jays, he suggests Mitch Keller from the Pirates. It works for me—an excellent starting pitcher who is under contract through the 2028 season. I have a feeling I won’t like the cost, but we have several outfield prospects who might be part of a deadline deal. I’ll be sad when they send Arjun Nimmala and Trey Sesavage away in a deal.
With Ryan Burr out again, the Jays could use a strong arm for the pen at the deadline.
Keith Law has his first role ‘mock draft’ up at The Athletic.
He figures the Jays to take Billy Carlson, a shortstop, with their first pick (number 8 in the first round. There are a few top-rated shortstops that should be available with that pick. Lone Star Ball has a profile of him here.
MLB Pipeline sees the Jays picking LHP Liam Doyle.
The Jays don’t have a second-round pick.
The Draft starts Sundays at 6:00 Eastern and continues Monday.