MLB trade rumors: Marco Estrada claimed by AL East team; deal unlikely

Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada has been claimed off revocable trade waivers by an AL East team, a source told SB Nation on Tuesday. The club “doesn’t seem serious” in its pursuit and a deal is unlikely as of now, according to the source.

Estrada was a candidate to be dealt before the non-waiver trade deadline but stayed put as the Jays dealt Francisco Liriano and Joe Smith. The righty is a free agent at the end of the year, which would usually make him a strong August trade candidate, but Toronto has shown interest in signing him to an extension and appears more inclined to keep him.

Estrada, 34, has worked to a 4.85 ERA in 24 starts for Toronto this season after two straight excellent seasons (3.13 ERA in 2015, 3.48 ERA in 2016) with the Jays. He is owed more than $3 million for the rest of this season.

Toronto has 48 hours to work out a trade with its unnamed divisional rival, though at this point, it appears Estrada is likely to stay put. Things could obviously change quickly if the claiming team shows more urgency in talks.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com was first to report that Estrada was claimed.