It’s all happening for the Toronto Blue Jays. Mere days after acquiring Troy Tulowitzki from the Colorado Rockies, the Jays have made their big splash for a starting pitcher, acquiring David Price from the Detroit Tigers.
david price is going to toronto. norris is going back in deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2015
The 29-year old Price is a free agent at the end of the year, and will get absolutely paid by a filthy rich team. But the Blue Jays are acquiring him for the final two months of 2015 and a possible playoff run. They haven’t made the Postseason since winning the World Series in 1993, and they haven’t had a pitcher like Price in their rotation since Roy Halladay was decimating the AL East. Price, Mark Buerhle, and Drew Hutchison isn’t an elite playoff rotation, but with Toronto’s obscene lineup and improved defense following the acquisition of Tulowitzki, it may be enough to lead to October success.
The full return isn’t immediately known, though Daniel Norris and Anthony Alford are expected to be involved in the deal.
Official: Price from #Tigers to #BlueJays for Norris, Labourt and Boyd.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
Daniel Norris started the season in Toronto’s rotation, but struggled and was demoted to AAA Buffalo. His struggles have continued with Buffalo, as he’s pitched to a 4.27 ERA in 90 2/3 innings at the level, striking out 78 and walking 41. But Norris is just 22, and his potential is tantalizing.
Jairo Lebourt is a 21-year old that has spent the season in high-A, pitching to a 4.59 ERA in 80 1/3 innings while striking out 70 and walking 44. He’s a hard thrower that could end up being a mid-rotation starter in the majors.
Matt Boyd got smashed in two majors league starts, but the 24-year old pitched very well in AA and AAA this season, striking out 107 and walking just 24 in 112 2/3 innings while pitching to a 1.68 ERA. He’s a strike thrower, but may end up as a reliever in the majors long-term.
Get excited, Toronto. Alex Anthopolous is going for it.
