Blue Jays interested in Francisco Rodriguez, adding starter

Toronto has already checked in on Jonathan Papelbon and Tyler Clippard but the club has been linked to Milwaukee's closer, too. Francisco Rodriguez has a notable amount of success to this point in 2015, and according to Bob Elliott of The Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays are interested making a deal to acquire the veteran closer.

At 25-44, the Brewers may look to sell come the July 31 trade deadline. Rodriguez will likely be an attractive piece to teams in pursuit of late inning relief help and the Blue Jays' interest is not surprising since the organization has contacted other clubs about top relievers, including Papelbon and Clippard, earlier this season.

Rodriguez, 33, opted to join the Brewers again last offseason and has posted a 1.13 ERA and 2.36 FIP in 24.0 innings. He has also saved 13 contests and is striking out 9.8 per nine innings while only walking 2.6 per nine frames.

After a strong 2014 campaign with Milwaukee (3.04 ERA in 68.0 innings), Rodriguez has established himself as a reliable closing option. The Blue Jays, who lead the American League with 12 blown saves, might also be interested in Rodriguez because he does not have a large contract. He is earning $3.5 million this season and is due $7.5 million next year. His current deal also includes a $6 million club option or $2 million buyout for 2017.

Roberto Osuna, Brett Cecil, Aaron Loup, Steve Delabar, and Liam Hendriks round out Toronto's bullpen and the Blue Jays would likely have to send a first or third prospect to Milwaukee in a potential deal.

While the Blue Jays are seeking a durable reliever, the club also wants to add a starter, Elliott adds. With Aaron Sanchez on the disabled list, the Blue Jays might consider adding Scott Kazmir, Aaron Harang, or Matt Garza moving forward. Ryan Madson and Jason Frasor could become late inning options the Blue Jays can also consider.