Jeff Samardzija

Blue Jays GM: 'We're always interested in taking a rental'

Published Jul. 1, 2015 11:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Trade season is upon us.

With the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, teams are classifying themselves as buyers or sellers.

You can count the Toronto Blue Jays as firmly in the buyers category.

Heading into Wednesday's games, the AL East had four teams within the top spot in the division.

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos spoke rather candidly to the media about the deadline and the possibility of trading a young prospect for a short-term rental:

“I think we’re always interested in taking a rental. It’s just the rental component impacts what you’re willing to pay. That’s the hardest part: managing the short term and the long term. You want to be in a position to have to make a tough decision, but it is . . . much easier to swallow when you’re giving up a young player when you know you can keep the guy you’re getting.”

He even spoke about what the team needed at the deadline:

“We would take either (starter or reliever) to improve, but I think clearly the rotation is the area that has the most need. Not that the bullpen can’t use some work, but I think the bullpen is starting to settle in a little bit.”

In terms of players that fit the bill of a "rental", Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto, Oakland A's lefty Scott Kazmir and Chicago White Sox' Jeff Samardzija come to mind as they are on non-contending teams and are due to be free agents at the end of the season.

(h/t Toronto Star)

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