Blue Jays trade targets Suarez and Naylor are difference makers for Mariners in ALCS

"Back at the trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays were looking for some key players that could be difference makers for them down the stretch and especially in MLB Playoffs. The Blue Jays ended up doing well in the pitching department, with starter Shane Bieber delivering when the team needed him most and reliever Louis Varland becoming a trusted arm to come in for key high-leverage situations."

"However, they came up a little short with respect to adding a power bat to the lineup. Ty France was the main hitter added to the roster, but he hasn't even been on the postseason roster to date. There were two potential trade targets that the Blue Jays had a shot at acquiring at the deadline, but it never panned out."

"Naylor may have struggled a bit during the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers. But he has raised his game and has been doing a lot of hurt against Toronto in the ALCS. In five games to date facing the Blue Jays, Naylor is batting a stellar .412 with a 1.238 OPS, along with three runs scored, one stolen base, two home runs and three RBIs. In the process, he also became the first Canadian ever to homer against Toronto in the postseason."

The Blue Jays strengthened their pitching at the trade deadline, acquiring Shane Bieber and Louis Varland, who delivered strong postseason performances in starting and high-leverage relief roles. The hitting additions fell short of expectations, with Ty France not appearing on the postseason roster. Two trade targets missed by Toronto, Josh Naylor and Eugenio Sua1rez, joined the Seattle Mariners and have played critical offensive roles. Naylor, a Mississauga native, overcame ALDS struggles to produce a .412 average and 1.238 OPS in the ALCS, including becoming the first Canadian to homer against Toronto in the postseason. Their contributions helped Seattle take a 3-2 series lead.

Read at Jays Journal