The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Jonathan Villar in a trade with the Miami Marlins, who are seemingly looking to make some moves as well. The Blue Jays also just completed a deal for starting pitcher Robbie Ray from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return, the Blue Jays will be sending Griffin Conine to the Miami Marlins as a part of this trade.
Marlins are buying and selling. Jonathan Villar is headed to Toronto.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2020
It is interesting to watch the Marlins 2020 trade deadline strategy unveil as Passan indicates they are both buyers and sellers. The Marlins also just completed a trade with the Diamondbacks to bring in Starling Marté in exchange for two of the organization’s arms and a PTBNL who has reportedly been labeled as another right-handed pitcher.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are looking to add some depth as they have an injured Bo Bichette to tend to while they try and make a postseason run. Villar’s speedy and crafty infield skillset will allow them to have depth and speed off the bench, depending on how the Blue Jays use him.
In 2020, Villar has played in 29 games, totaling 114 at-bats where he has hit .272/.328/.360 with two home runs and nine RBI while swiping nine bases on 14 attempts.
The Marlins are also, however, staying in the playoff hunt, but with the return for Villar being prospect Conine, this deal seems like a “sell” move even though the Marlins just brought in an outfielder that indicates a “buy” move.
