The Toronto Blue Jays could become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Morosi believes Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos could move players who might not fit into the team’s long-term plan, including Kelly Johnson and Edwin Encarnacion.
Morosi believes that with the Blue Jays inconsistent play and key starting pitcher Brandon Morrow being placed on the disabled list recently, Toronto will slip out of the playoff race.
If Toronto does look beyond this year and decide to become sellers, Morosi believes the Blue Jays could look to trade players such as Johnson, Encarnacion and perhaps a few bullpen arms. Both Johnson and Encarnacion will be at least 30 years old next season and are in the final year of their contracts.
Encarnacion had a solid season in 2011 but has broken out so far this year. Over his 228 at-bats, the first baseman has hit at a clip of .281/.348/.561 with 17 home runs, 13 doubles and 44 RBIs. Encarnacion is earning $3.5 million this season and owns a career OPS of .798.
Johnson’s power numbers are down a bit this season, but he’s still been able to get on base at a solid clip (.341). On the year, Johnson sports an OPS of .740 with 15 extra-base hits and 29 RBIs. The second baseman’s career OPS is .780.