A series by your favorite esteemed writer Graham Wexler looking at one potential off-season trade per team.
PROPOSED TRADE: TORONTO BLUE JAYS TRADE 1B WILL CLARK TO THE SAN DIEGO PADRES FOR 2B ROBBY THOMPSON, 1B TROY NEEL, AND C MARK BAILEY
The Toronto Blue Jays are an interesting team. Strapped for cash and flying very close to the sun with its payroll, barely missed the playoffs. They face a critical offseason of decisions, mainly whether to sell or not sell. Indications are that there is some interest in selling slightly, but without owning control of picks for several more seasons, would be wise to retool. That, combined with a tightening of belts across the entire league, large player salaries are becoming increasingly harder to trade.
Even look at Will Clark, how many fits are out there for him? Looking at contenders who need a 1B, it’s a limited market – Pittsburgh, San Diego, New York Mets (who have already said they aren’t making trades), and San Francisco (who will be selling their own pieces). Enter this proposed deal – it’s a calculated deal by Toronto, designed to reallocate salary and address key needs up the middle, while the Padres get a marquee name for their lineup in a wide-open NL Wild Card race.
🔵 Why Toronto Makes the Deal:
Will Clark was extremely productive in 1995, slashing .266/.353/.474 with 29 HR, 92 RBI, and 4.2 WAR, and even added 21 steals in a rare display of athleticism for the veteran slugger. But the Blue Jays are looking ahead. With Carlos Delgado entrenched at DH/1B, and financial flexibility at a premium, Clark’s salary made him expendable.
In return, Toronto acquires:
- Robby Thompson, a slick-fielding second baseman with veteran savvy and a high baseball IQ. Though he’s aging, Thompson still posted strong defensive metrics and could bridge the gap while the Jays find and develop middle infield talent.
- Troy Neel, signed cheaply with an inconsistent bat, he’s exactly the kid of depth Toronto should be bringing in to add to the thump-ness of the lineup already.
- Mark Bailey, a competent backup catcher who will mentor the young staff and spell the starter against tough righties.
This is a “roster-balance” trade more than a splashy headline — but one Toronto hopes keeps them competitive while opening up options for a long-term core.
🟤 Why San Diego Makes the Deal:
The Padres just made a statement.
They’re pushing chips in and betting on Will Clark as the heart of their lineup, slotting him between Manny Ramirez and Tony Clark. With the team’s middle infield aging and lacking pop, they’re trading positional depth for star power. In a league increasingly tilted toward power hitters, Clark’s 29 homers and 36 doubles offer a serious upgrade.
San Diego brass believes Clark’s bat still has two elite seasons left — and his experience and clubhouse presence could anchor a young, hungry squad.
⚖️ Verdict:
- For Toronto: A pragmatic reset and reallocation of resources that keeps him competitive in a tough United League.
- For San Diego: A bold swing for postseason relevance and clubhouse leadership.
- For Will Clark: A new city, a new challenge, and a chance to power another playoff run.