3 Cheap Hitters The Blue Jays Can Pursue At The Trade Deadline

Not every deal is a blockbuster. 

Think back to the Blue Jays' dealing at the 2022 trade deadline, when the club acquired Zach Pop, Anthony Bass, Whit Merrifield, and Mitch White. None of those fellas were big fish by any standards. Helpful additions, sure, but not season-altering players.

While I wouldn't suggest Blue Jays fans hold their breath for any monstrous moves ahead of the '23 deadline, the front office could still trade for a package of middle-of-the-road, complementary pieces. And every general manager likes a bargain. 

Here are three bargain hitters the Blue Jays can trade for before the August 1 deadline.

Carlos Santana, 1B/DH, Pirates

Yes, yes, he's a playoff villain in Toronto, but Santana's switch-hitting profile could really help the Blue Jays. 

First, he's a remedy to the club's struggles versus left-handed pitching. The 37-year-old is better from the right side, working a .817 OPS over his 14-year career. Santana and Brandon Belt possess similar offensive gameplans, just from different sides of the plate.

Right now, Toronto's getting zero (negative, actually) production from its 26th man, whether that's Nathan Lukes or Ernie Clement. Playing time would not be an obstacle to a Santana deal.

The Blue Jays can't keep starting Alejandro Kirk as the designated hitter against left-handed pitching. As a veteran clubhouse presence and hitter with elite discipline, Santana is a far better option. 

And the price for a trade? As a pending free agent, Santana shouldn't cost more than a fringe top-20 prospect or two. 

Jurickson Profar, LF/2B, Rockies

Okay, this move is somehow even less sexy than the Santana trade, but it would make the Jays a better club. This season, Profar is slashing .275/.337/.429 versus southpaws.

That might be where the train stops, though. It's hard to argue Profar's defensive versatility (-4.3 career dWAR) makes Toronto any better, but he could slide in at left field or second base on a limited basis.

Profar's upside isn't huge and he doesn't have much power upside, but he'd be fine as the Blue Jays' 26th man.

Matt Duffy, INF, Royals

Please don't laugh; this trade could be a net positive. Duffy stinks against right-handed pitching this year (.532 OPS), but he hits lefties well (.796 OPS) and would cost the Jays next to nothing as a pending free agent.  

Duffy can sub in at first base, second or third base on defense. His versatility could allow Belt to sit versus left-handers, with Duffy playing first and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the designated hitter.