Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Blue Jays 'Interested' in Nationals' Kyle Schwarber
The Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals might not be done making deals ahead of Friday's trade deadline.
Toronto is reportedly interested in acquiring Nationals slugger Kyle Schwaber, according to Joel Sherman.
The 28-year-old left-fielder/designated hitter was among the hottest hitters in baseball during his crazy June stretch. He hit .280 with 16 home runs in the month before a hamstring injury forced him to the IL on July 10.
While he has yet to return to the field for Washington, there's reportedly a "growing belief" that he'll be traded ahead of the trade deadline," Sherman wrote.
The Nationals have already begun to sell off pieces including closer Brad Hand who Toronto acquired for Riley Adams on Thursday. Adding Schwarber would give the Blue Jays some more left-handed power and a short-term rental piece with an $11 million mutual option for next season.
Schwarber is hitting .253 with 25 home runs and a .910 OPS in 28 games this season. While he's struggled against lefties throughout his career, he's mashed right-handed pitching with a .873 OPS against righties for his career and a .976 OPS against righties this season.
The trade deadline is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET.
Further Reading:
Trade Deadline Wish List: Top Blue Jays Trade Fits
'The Right Fit': Gunnar Hoglund Joins the Blue Jays
Atkins: Trade Market, Nate Pearson, and Other Press Conference Notes
