Blue Jays Returning Players to Make Bigger Impact Than Trade

     It's not hard to be dissapointed that the Toronto Blue Jays failed to make any moves at the MLB trade deadline, but you have to look at the bigger picture to see why Alex Anthopoulous held back on making a splash (or even a ripple) at the deadline. With many key players out of the line-up and set to return in the near future, the return of the Jays' star players will make much a bigger impact than any trade could make.

     Sure, the Blue Jays missed out on a quality stater in both Jon Lester and David Price, but at what cost? The Oakland Athletics gave up back-to-back home run derby champion Yoenis Cespedes to acquire Lester, and Lester's contract expires at the end of the season, meaning the A's could be trading away Cespedes for a pitcher they could only have for the next two months. For the Blue Jays, landing either Price or Lester would've meant trading away the shallow prospect pool they have and then some, ruining the chance at a future pennant-winning team. So why take a chance on a pitcher who could leave your organization in the next handful of months for your entire future? It simply doesn't make sense for the Blue Jays at their state and it's a good thing Anthopoulous didn't budge at the deadline.

     When you look at the Blue Jays starting infield right now, it seems like a AAA team is being fielded by manager John Gibbons. Aside from Jose Reyes, you have Ryan Goins, Munenori Kawasaki, Danny Valencia, Juan Francisco and Steve Tolleson taking turns at various positions on the infield. Without Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie on the corners and Adam Lind at first, the team loses a lot of defensive liability, and it shouldn't even have to be mentioned how much it hurts their offensive game as well.

     And while the Blue Jays are just 2.5 games back of the Baltimore Orioles for the lead in the AL East, there's still 41 games left to play, which is ample time for Encarnacion and Lawrie to contribute and contend for a division title. Not to mention, the Blue Jays still have a 3-game lead with the second wildcard spot in the American League, which would face them off against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a one game showdown to see who takes on the best of the AL in the ALDS.

     It's too bad the Blue Jays couldn't rack in an all-star pitcher or a go-to second baseman at the MLB Trade Deadline, but it's not the end of the world by any means. When the Blue Jays are healthy, they have one of the most potent line-ups in the American League. As long as the current roster stays healthy for the majority of the remaining season and Encarnacion and Lawrie return on time, the Blue Jays still have an excellent chance at contending for a division title.