Blue Jays trade Lind for Estrada

Jays claim Justin Smoak off waivers to replace Lind at first base.

The Toronto Blue jays have traded Adam Lind to the Miluakee Brewers in exchange for pitcher Marco Estrada. Lind, 31, was the Blue Jays long-term first baseman and designated hitter.

Lind was drafted by the Jays in 2004 as a third-round pick. Last season, he hit .321 with 6 home runs and 40 RBIs. He only played 96 games due to injury.

“It was about getting whatever return that we could,” GM Alex Anthopoulos said in an interview with FAN 590. “It was either that or let him go as a free agent.”

Anthopoulos added that the club shopped Lind around, but only two teams were seriously interested. Lind’s trade comes partially due to the fact that his salary is set to increase over the next several years.

“From Adam’s standpoint, knowing where his salary was, he knew there was a chance he wouldn’t be back,” Anthopoulos added.

Estrada, 31, played his first five seasons with the Washington Nationals. Last season, his record was 7-6 with a 4.36 ERA in 39 total games, including 18 starts.

The Blue Jays also extended the contracts of J.A Happ and Josh Thole, while pitchers Dustin McGowan and Brandon Morrow have entered free agency. To replace Lind, the club has claimed first baseman Justin Smoak off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

Smoak was once considered a top prospect but his time in the majors has underwhelming to say the least. His career on-base-plus-slugging is .689, worst among all active first basemen.

About this article

By: Beth Jarrell
Copy editor: Peder Myhr
Posted: Nov 4 2014 11:50 am
Edition:
Filed under: Baseball Sports
Topics: