Blue Jays Receive:
Grayson Rodriguez SP/BAL (Spec)
Keoni Cavaco SS/MIN (Spec)

A's Receive:
Tyler Glasnow SP/TBR $4M (ARB5)
Andrew Painter SP/PHI (P-N/A)
Jairo Pomares OF/SF (P-N/A)

Dealing from a position of strength the Jays are doing this as they believe Grayson has a ton of upside and will be up quickly this season. He fits nicely with D.L. Hall and in a a few years could be a household name. It pains us to see Pomares go, but the sacrifice was worth it. This does not deplete our rotation or arms too much and we feel the addition of Cavaco is a flier worth taking at his young age and upside.

This was a doozy of a deal, A's and pleasure doing business.

Toronto elects to EXTEND: Steven Matz (SP) StL
2022: $12,389,750
2023: $12,389,750
2024: $12,389,750


Toronto RELEASES:
Trevor Plouffe (3B)
Andrew Romine (3B)
Tony Watson (RP)
Jose Bautista (OF)

Jays Receive:
Luis Arraez (2B, 3B, OF) MIN $550,000 (ARB2)
Aaron Nola (SP) PHI $11.75 (2022) (ARB5)
MacKenzie Gore (SP) SD P-N/A
2021 CHC Pick 14.19

Cubs Receive:
Bryce Harper (OF) PHI $18,037,500 (2023) (TOR covers 3M for 2022 season)
Carter Kieboom (3B) WSH $550K (ARB1)
James Kaprielian (SP) $550K (ARB1)
Ryan Weathers (SP/RP) SD $550K (ARB1)
Lucas Sims (RP) CIN $550K (ARB1)

This is a bit of an abbreviated version of the deal earlier, but the Blue Jays are dong this to gain infield versatility and add to their arsenal of arms. Arraez is undervalued we feel, so we are chancing a young middle infielder who has the makings of a very solid bat, even if his power is limited. MacKenzie Gore is a wildcard prospect whose upside is as high as early any other top SP in the minors, yet his floor also is very low. The pick can never hurt and only adds to he farm for the Blue Jays.
Thanks to Cubs and their patience here.


**Pls Note: Salaries added for ARB eligible players*

Blue Jays Receive:
Kris Bryant (3B/OF) CHC $12.1 (2024)
Aaron Nola (SP) PHI 11.75 (2022) w/ARB 2022-23
CHC 14th Rd Pick (14.19)
MacKenzie Gore (SP) SD P-N/A (Prospect)

Cubs Receive:
Bryce Harper (OF) PHI $18,037,500 (2023)
Carter Kieboom (3B) WSH P-N/A
Isaiah Greene (OF) CLE P-N/A (Prospect)
Dillon Tate (RP) BAL P-N/A (ARB1)
Lucas Sims (RP) CIN P-N/A (ARB1)

Jays do this to obtain an ace and bolster a rotation already featuring Max Fried, Tyler Glasnow, Ranger Suarez among others. Bris Bryant is the type 3B the Jays were looking for as he is capable of hitting for power and a useful Avg, OPS and other categories. I can't figure out Gore. He could be anywhere from a future frontline starter to reliever. We believe he will try it around this season or in the near future and we are glad to take a risk here. Yes, the haul cost Harper and a young 3B in Kieboom, but at the end of the day the team felt the return was good value.

This deal took a while, but it finally got done. Nice dealing Cubs

https://www.truebluela.com/2022/1/15/22885266/los-angeles-dodgers-international-signings-tracker-mlb-news

PC + $150K