MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Have “Clear Interest” In Tigers Reliever

The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t even have to send any scouts on the road to get a good look at one of their prime trade deadline targets. Or even two or three of them. The Detroit Tigers bullpen came in and mowed down the vaunted Jays offense for five straight innings in Friday night’s 4-2 win. And the man who locked it down in the 9th, Gregory Soto, could be one of those crossing to the other dugout this weekend if the Jays have their way.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, “ there’s believed to be a clear interest in the fire-throwing lefty” Soto. The 27-year-old closer picked up his 19th save in a 3-up, 3-down 9th against Lourdes Gurriel Jr., red-hot Matt Chapman and Bo Bichette.

Final: #Tigers 4, Blue Jays 2

Five relievers dominated, beginning with Will Vest in the fourth inning. Jason Foley (2), Joe Jiménez (3), Michael Fulmer (2) and Gregory Soto (1) combined for eight strikeouts. Perfect timing as the trade deadline approaches.

Detroit is 41-60.
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) July 30, 2022

Soto has three years of team control left, which would make his price tag a little higher than some other one-and-done rental relievers, like Daniel Bard or David Robertson. Nevertheless, seeing Soto’s dominance up close and personal may persuade Toronto GM Ross Atkins to pay the price.

No doubt that Michael Fulmer, and Joe Jimenez (who struck out the side), who shut the Jays down in the 7th and 8th, would also be high up on the Jays’ list.

Three days till D-Day.