Blue Jays predicted to sign $13M flamethrower, World Series champion to save injured pitching staff originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays season feels like it continues to get worse with every passing day. The team is struggling, although not all of it is necessarily their fault.

The offense has not performed well enough, and that has become a major issue. Blue Jays fan favorite Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is still trying to rediscover his swing.

“Obviously, I don’t feel OK right now. I’m not feeling right and you guys can tell that. I’ve been working very hard.” Guerrero said. “I’m just looking to hit one ball very hard. It will stay in my head and my mind. I know things are going to change.”

As for the pitching staff, injuries have completely plagued the season. The starting rotation has been hit hard, but the bullpen’s luck may be even worse.

“Things don’t appear to be getting any easier for an over-taxed Toronto Blue Jays bullpen. The team announced on Tuesday that veteran left-hander Joe Mantiply was being placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 18, with left knee inflammation. This comes two days after Tommy Nance hit the IL with right forearm discomfort, the same day that Eric Lauer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers,” SI’s Ben Fisher wrote.

The Blue Jays desperately need a reliable arm in the bullpen, and Michael Kopech is still available in free agency. Toronto should strongly consider signing him.

“Kopech is the best reliever available right now in free agency. The Blue Jays have the 19th-ranked bullpen ERA at 4.22. Kopech had a 2.45 ERA in 14 appearances with the Dodgers last season. Plus, he had one of the best fastballs in baseball. He’s also just 30 years old. He could be a quick fix for the bullpen,” SI’s Patrick McAvoy wrote.

Kopech struggled at times last season after returning from injury, but he still represents one of the best possible options for Toronto’s bullpen. The Blue Jays are searching for anything that could help turn the season around, and adding a reliable late-inning arm would be a strong start.

Kopech has earned $13 million throughout his career, and because he remains unsigned, there is belief that Toronto could land him on a relatively affordable contract. A move for Kopech could be exactly what the Blue Jays need to keep their World Series aspirations alive.

More MLB news:

• Dodgers’ $4.5M fan-favorite versatile defender nearing return after battling offseason injury

• Atlanta Braves just did something the organization hasn’t done since 2003 with win over Marlins

• 3 reasons Blue Jays should trade for Giants’ $115M Cy Young winner to save Toronto’s rotation

• MLB insider predicts Braves will acquire $100M Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger in blockbuster