Diamondbacks could send $24 million veteran to Blue Jays in possible blockbuster

Curt Bishop

Diamondbacks could send $24 million veteran to Blue Jays in possible blockbuster image

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been inconsistent this season.

They were expected to be a clear contender, and while they are only three games out in the National League Wild Card race, they sit at an even .500 and in fourth place in the NL West.

They have a lot of teams to climb over to get into playoff position. They could add some pieces at the trade deadline, but selling is also on the table.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed the idea of Arizona sending right-hander Merrill Kelly to the Toronto Blue Jays.

"If the D-Backs fall out of the National League wild-card race, perhaps they’d trade him as a rental for two solid prospects and then look to re-sign him in the offseason," Bowden wrote.

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The Diamondbacks are still in contention at the moment, and with Corbin Burnes out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, it would seem unlikely that Kelly would be traded if they are in contention.

However, it's not out of the realm of possibility. He is a free agent at the end of the year and is putting together a solid season. Trading him would also be a good way to add some solid prospects.

The 36-year-old right-hander is 6-3 with a 3.41 ERA in 15 starts and has also posted a 2.1 WAR this season. He is a reliable innings-eater that can help a contending team out tremendously.

It will be interesting to see what Arizona decides to do with him. If they hold onto him, they will likely be hoping to make a playoff run.

But if not, they'll have an eye on the future.

More MLB: Blue Jays urged to swing 3-player blockbuster with Diamondbacks by MLB insider

Curt Bishop

Curt Bishop is a freelance sports writer who graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of Communication and currently writes as a contributor for various platforms covering Major League Baseball. Curt’s work includes covering trade and free agency predictions, as well as rumors and news.