According to FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal, the Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of acquiring Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle from the Miami Marlins in one of the biggest trades in recent baseball history.
Blue Jays reportedly acquire Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes from Marlins
Baseball’s first blockbuster trade of the winter is nearing completion, as the Blue Jays are on the verge of acquiring Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, and Mark Buerhle from the Miami Marlins.
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
Per the reports, the Marlins are expected to acquire Yunel Escobar, Henderson Alvarez, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, and left-handed pitching prospect Justin Nicolino, though Miami's entire haul has yet to be disclosed.
Johnson was shopped by the Marlins prior to baseball’s trade deadline in 2012, but the Marlins did not find a package that they liked enough to move the oft-injured ace. Johnson made 31 starts in 2012, after making just nine in 2011, and he finished the season with an 8-14 record to go along with a 3.81 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Johnson struck out just 7.76 batters per nine innings -- his lowest rate since 2006.
Johnson will make $13.75 million in 2013, and will be eligible for free agency following the 2013 season.
Reyes hit .287/.347/.433 with 40 stolen bases in his first and only season with the Marlins. Reyes is under contract through the 2017 season, and he still has $92 million dollars remaining on his contract.
Buehrle was also signed by the Marlins last offseason, and he was part of Miami’s efforts to compete with their new name in a new stadium. Buehrle made just $7 million in 2012, and he will make $12 million in 2013 before his salary escalates to $19 million and $20 million in 2014 and 2015. He went 13-13 with the Marlins in 2012, with a 3.74 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.
Toronto is expected to acquire catcher John Buck and infielder/outfielder Emilio Bonifacio in the trade, in addition to Johnson, Reyes and Buehrle.
Escobar was Toronto’s primary shortstop in 2012, and hit just .253/.300/.344 in 558 at bats. Escobar is set to make $5 million dollars in 2013, and has $5 million dollar club options for both 2014 and 2015.
Hechavarria, the second shortstop headed to Miami, spent the majority of the season in AAA, where he hit .312/.363/.424 before earning a promotion.
The 20-year-old Nicolino spent the entire 2012 season in the Midwest League, and struck out 119 batters in 124⅓ innings with a 2.46 ERA.
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