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.