The Toronto Blue Jays were very interested in trading for Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Tyler Mahle prior to MLB's lockout in early December, according to a source. The Blue Jays have
Jose Berrios,
Kevin Gausman and
Hyun Jin Ryu atop their 2022 starting rotation, with
Alek Manoah, who impressed in his rookie season, slated to be the No. 4. If Toronto doesn't pry Mahle away from the Reds, veteran swingman
Ross Stripling and former top prospect
Nate Pearson would be battling for the fifth spot. However, Pearson will be on an innings cap this year and is more likely to wind up in the bullpen down the stretch.
Thomas Hatch,
Anthony Kay,
Zach Logue and
Bowden Francis, who are all unproven, are the other rotation options in house.