Report: Blue Jays have Inquired about Nationals Brad Hand & Daniel Hudson
The Toronto Blue Jays aren't done improving their bullpen quite yet.
The team has reportedly checked in on Washington Nationals relievers Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson, according to Jim Bowden and Jon Morosi.
The #Nats have discussed relievers Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson in trades, as @JimBowdenGM reported today on @MLBNetworkRadio. The #BlueJays, known to be active in the bullpen market, are among the teams to inquire on both. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2021
Just two years after winning the World Series, the Nationals have fallen off and appear to be sellers at next week's trade deadline. They'll reportedly make bullpen pieces and potentially Max Scherzer available.
The 31-year-old Hand boasts a 2.63 ERA in 41 innings this season. He's 20 for 23 in save opportunities this season and has been lights out against right-handed hitters despite being a lefty.
Hudson, the former Blue Jays reliever, has a 2.37 ERA this year across 30.1 innings. Even at 34 years old, his fastball still sits at 97 mph and he's posted a 13.4 Ks per nine.
Both Hudson and Hand are set to be free agents this summer and shouldn't cost the Blue Jays very much in prospect capital.
If Toronto can't swing a deal with the Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Richard Rodríguez, Rangers reliever Ian Kennedy, Rockies reliever Mychal Givens, and Twins reliever Taylor Rogers are all players the Blue Jays should be able to go after before the bell sounds at 4 p.m. ET on Friday.
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