The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two-time all-star Whit Merrifield and bolstered their bullpen by adding right-handed relievers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop before Tuesday’s Major League Baseball trade deadline. The Jays acquired Merrifield just before the 6 p.m. deadline. ET from Kansas City for pitcher Max Castillo and prospect Samad Taylor. Merrifield was one of 10 Royals unable to accompany the team for a four-game series in Toronto last month because he had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. The 33-year-old, who can play second base and outfield, is hitting .240 with six home runs and 42 runs this season. He was an all-star last season when he hit .277 with 10 homers and 74 RBI. Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins was excited about the deal over the deadline. “He (Merrifield) is such a good player. He’s very well-rounded with incredible experience, versatility, contact ability, speed, multi-position play, incredible baserunner, he feels so good with him in so many different positions and she flexibility will help us get through … we’re pretty covered right now,” Atkins said on a Zoom call minutes before the Jays began their nine-game road trip to Florida. The GM didn’t bite when asked about his plans to get vaccinated or if he would be playing at the Rogers Center anytime soon. “He was acquired straight away at the deadline so it’s a very new signing and so I’m not going to comment any more on him about the process and let him deal with it with his family. I’ve basically said hello to him and that’s it.” Atkins added. Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sport and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest. Earlier, the Jays acquired Bass and Pop from the Miami Marlins for shortstop prospect Jordan Groshans. The Jays also acquired a player to be named later in the deal. Bass, 34, has a 2-3 record with a 1.41 earned run average in 44 2/3 innings with the Marlins this season, with 45 strikeouts and 10 walks. He spent the 2020 season with Toronto, going 2-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 26 appearances. Bass will get a chance to play in meaningful games in front of Blue Jays fans, something he didn’t get a chance to do in his first stint with the club. The Blue Jays played home games during the shortened 2020 season at Sahlen Field, home of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, due to COVID-19 restrictions at the Canada-US border. “You’re going to a team that has a chance to go to the postseason, which as players is what we always want to do,” Bass told reporters in Miami before the Marlins hosted the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. “Our ultimate goal is to win the World Series. So that part is exciting, going to Toronto for that opportunity.” Pope, 25, of Brampton, Ont., has a 2-0 record with a 3.60 earned run average in 18 appearances with the Marlins this season, his second in the majors. He was selected by the Blue Jays in the 23rd round of the 2014 MLB Draft, but decided not to sign and instead played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. Popp, who says he grew up a Blue Jays fan, called news of the trade “bittersweet” but said he’s looking forward to playing close to home. “It’s pretty special to be able to come home and see my family and play for the Blue Jays,” he said in Miami. “I have a lot of friends, a lot of people who are supporting them right now, and to be a part of what they’re doing there is pretty amazing.” Grosans, 22, was selected 12th overall by the Blue Jays in the 2018 MLB Draft. In 67 games with the Bisons this season, he batted .250 with one home run and 24 RBIs. The Blue Jays also acquired right-hander Mitch White and infielder Alex De Jesus from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-hander Moises Brito and right-hander Nick Frasso and dealt right-hander Jeremy Beasley to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash. In other moves, left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda was designated for assignment and lefty Andrew Vasquez was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia.
