MLB Rumors: 3 Relievers For Blue Jays To Target For Beleaguered Bullpen


The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves once again in the mix for a Wild Card spot this season, but unlike last year, they hope that their early-season bullpen woes will not torpedo their chances come September. 

The bullpen wasn't supposed to be a big weakness this year, but other than closer Jordan Romano, that's proving once again to be case. GM Ross Atkins is no doubt hot on the trail of bringing in some relief—literally—and these three high-leverage arms should be at or near the top of the list.

David Robertson

The Chicago Cubs' 37-year-old closer has re-established his value this season at a high-end arm for the late innings. He's notched 8 saves with a 2.03 ERA for the non-contending Cubs, with a dominant 12.2 strikeouts per 9 innings. He also has a history of 30+ save seasons on his resume.

Michael Fulmer

The former Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year (2016), has seen elbow injuries derail his promising career as a starter, but he's re-invented himself as a solid late-inning reliever the past two seasons. He had 14 saves in 2021, and is having another solid season in the Tigers 'pen with a 2.16 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP and 9.4 K/9. 

Mychal Givens

He doesn't get much notice, but the hard-throwing 32-year-old Givens can provide a strong arm in the late innings, and won't cost that much. He had 8 saves as a late-season closer for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021, and is striking out 11.5 per 9 innings this season. 

And if it's one thing the Blue Jays' bullpen needs, it's a hard thrower that can blow the ball by you.

There are many other prominent bullpen arms to chase that could just as easily appear on this list, including Tigers closer Gregory Soto, Rockies closer Daniel Bard, and Arizona Diamondbacks closer Mark Melancon, but they all come with volatile histories. 

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