BOSTON — One day after acquiring infielder Danny Valencia from the Kansas City Royals, the question around the Toronto Blue Jays was simple.
What’s next?
With the trade deadline approaching at 4 p.m. ET Thursday, the Jays were attempting to figure out if they could add another player to help their push in the American League East. Manager John Gibbons said he was in close contact with general manager Alex Anthopoulos about possible moves.
“I’ve been talking to him at least once every day,” Gibbons said Tuesday before the Jays’ 4-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. “He might bounce some things off me about what could happen. Then roster moves, when Valencia comes in and that kind of thing. There’s a lot going on out there.
“We have good debates about who can do what — how I look at it, and how he looks at it, if it’s a chance to upgrade.”
Valencia joined the Jays on Tuesday and went 0-for-1 after replacing first baseman Juan Francisco late in the game. He was acquired for third-string catcher Erik Kratz and right-hander Liam Hendriks in order to add depth and another right-handed hitter to the bench.
The Jays are believed to be seeking help for their rotation. One pitcher they aren’t likely to acquire: Red Sox ace lefty Jon Lester. While Boston likely wouldn’t be concerned about trading Lester within the division, the Jays don’t seem to be a match because of their reluctance to trade the top prospects in their farm system.
