Trade Rumor: Toronto Blue Jays Eyeing Minnesota Twins Pitching

The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves sitting at 30-27 on the season and certainly within striking distance in the AL East. General manager Ross Atkins is looking to upgrade his pitching staff as we approach the trade deadline and the Minnesota Twins are a team of focus.

The Twins sit 4th in the AL central at 24-35 and are likely heading to the sellers market this summer. Two pitchers who the Blue Jays have interest in are familiar face J.A Happ and Jose Berrios. Two pitchers that would take very different offers to acquire, but both fill a need for the Jays. The 38-year-old Happ has started 10 games so far this season, sitting 3-2, with a 5.61 ERA. His 37 K/16 BB in 51.1 innings isn't anything to write home about but that's not Happ's game and the Blue Jays know that better than anyone. Look for the lefty to be a fall back option for Atkins and company if things don't work out with younger talent on the trade market.

Speaking of younger talent, Berrios is a 27-year-old who is having a fine season. The former first-round pick is 6-2 on the year, posting a 3.58 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The 6'0 righty is signed this season for $6.1 million, is arbitration eligible next season, and becomes a free agent in 2023. The team control next season is something the Blue Jays are interested in and may be willing to pay for. The two-time All-Star has been a bright spot for the struggling Twins this season and the Blue Jays could use his swing and miss arsenal.

With the likes of Steven Matz, Robbie Ray and Hyun Jin Ryu carrying the load for most of the season so far for the Blue Jays, they've been able to get this far with very little depth. Youngsters Nate Pearson and Alek Manoah are pushing for full-time spots, but regardless management will be looking to pull off a trade to give the team a chance to compete when it matters most. Keep an eye on Berrios and Happ, two names that have been linked to the Blue Jays and two pitchers who have very different price tags.