The Blue Jays have made their first trade of the deadline, acquiring right-handed pitchers Zach Pop and Anthony Bass from the Marlins for prospect Jordan Groshans.
Sportsnet's Shi Davidi was the first to report the deal, which also includes a PTBNL heading Toronto's way.
Blue Jays also getting Anthony Bass and PTBNL, per source. https://t.co/cwzdHLFjkN
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 2, 2022
Toronto's focus at the deadline was addressing starting pitching and the bullpen, and GM Ross Atkins gave an answer to the latter with this deal. Both Pop and Bass are in the middle of good seasons, working as relievers in the Marlins' bullpen.
The Blue Jays did have to give up Groshans, a prospect currently playing in AAA that is suited for shortstop or third base. He wasn't expected to make it to the big leagues until next year at the earliest, but now may have his timetable sped up in Miami.
MORE: Live rumors, news, updates on the Blue Jays and MLB's deadline day
Here is more information on the Blue Jays' trade for Pop and Bass.
Pop, Bass trade details
- Blue Jays receive: P Zach Pop, P Anthony Bass, PTBNL
- Marlins receive: SS Jordan Groshans
Toronto desperately needed bullpen help and they got two arms to add to their pen. Pop is a young lefty that has emerged as a reliable arm for the Marlins in his second year of action in the big leagues. At just 25 years old, he is not simply a rental and a big reason why the Blue Jays were willing to part with Groshans.
Bass adds a righty arm, and if his name sounds familiar to Blue Jays fans, that's because he suited up for the squad during the shortened 2020 season. He was decent with the Blue Jays, but has greatly improved this season with the Marlins. The two should immediately help Toronto's issues with relievers.
In order to get, you have to give and the Blue Jays part ways with No. 4 prospect Groshans. The shortstop has batted .250 in 67 games so far at the AAA level. Between Bo Bichette already locking down the shortstop spot in Toronto and Orelvis Martinez in the system as well, Groshans is not a huge loss, but still it's a bit surprising to see him as the centerpiece in a smaller deal.
Zach Pop stats
Pop is in his second season in the MLB. The 25-year-old is a native of Brampton, Ont., where he played baseball at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in 2014, but elected to play college baseball instead. Pop would end up getting drafted by the Dodgers and signing with the team in 2017.
The righty made his MLB debut last season, pitching in 50 games for Miami and ending the season with a 4.12 ERA. That number has gone down this season, as it currently sits at 3.60. His walks are down tremendously, allowing just two in 20 innings of work after giving up 24 in 54.2 innings last season.
He is under team control next season before three years of arbitration. He won't be a UFA until 2027. Pop primarily throws a sinker and a slider, while rarely adding in a changeup.
| Games | Innings Pitched | Record | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 20.0 | 2-0 | 3.60 | 1.250 |
Anthony Bass stats
Bass is in his 11th season in the MLB, but is currently in the middle of his best season to date. His 1.41 ERA is currently the lowest of any season and his 9.1 K/9 rate is the highest to date.
The 34-year-old journeyman will be making his second stint in Toronto. Bass previously pitched with the Blue Jays in 2020 before he signed a two-year deal with the Marlins. With a team option for 2023, it's possible the Blue Jays can keep him around for next season as well.
Bass primarily throws a slider in the mid-80s with a sinker that can hit 95 MPH. He also mixes in a four-seam fastball.
| Games | Innings Pitched | Record | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 44.2 | 2-3 | 1.41 | 0.940 |
