While pitching coach Pete Walker says Drew Hutchison still factors in the battle for the open spot in the Toronto Blue Jays‘ rotation, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports wonders if the 25-year-old right-hander could be of interest to other MLB teams with starting pitching needs.
Appearing on Dean Blundell & Co. Wednesday, Morosi explained why he expects plenty of scouts to attend Hutchison’s start Wednesday night against the New York Yankees.
“There are a couple teams on the west coast,” Morosi said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “The A’s have some serious pitching concerns. Jarrod Parker is out again and Rich Hill has had serious control issues in spring training. I think they have a pitching shortage. Even the Dodgers, with all their issues. It would not shock me at all if we see a scout from the A’s (at Hutchison’s start) and and a scout from the Dodgers there and certainly other teams around the industry.”
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said at the Winter Meetings this past December that other teams expressed interest in Hutchison, whose big league experience and remaining club options could be attractive to teams seeking pitching.
“I have a strong sense that if the right offer came around for him (Toronto) would make a trade,” Morosi said. “He’s still a good pitcher. This guy pitched opening day for the Blue Jays last year. But he doesn’t really fit right now and we haven’t really heard much about him in the fifth starter derby.”
“So if you were going to showcase a pitcher, you’d have him pitch a night road game against the Yankees, which is precisely what Hutchison is going to do this evening.”
Hutchison is coming off a down season in which he registered a 5.57 ERA in 150.1 innings with Toronto. Because he has options remaining, he could open the 2016 season with the Buffalo Bisons if he doesn’t make the Blue Jays’ 25-man roster.
