Skip to content

Blue Jays reportedly interested in bringing back Alex Rios

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in acquiring former outfielder Alex Rios, according to a report from CBSSports.com.

It's unclear if the club's interest has advanced into legitimate trade talks, but Jon Heyman notes the team is not on Rios' six-team no-trade list.

Rios, who spent his first six seasons in the league with the Blue Jays, is hitting .302/.330/.435 with four homers, 21 doubles and eight triples in 96 games for the Texas Rangers. 

The unlikely reunion makes sense for a Blue Jays club struggling to hit left-handers this season. Toronto's OPS is nearly 40 points lower against southpaws, making Rios' .373/.409/.651 mark against lefties a significant upgrade.

Not only would Rios' bat provide a much-needed boost to a Blue Jays lineup missing three regulars due to injuries, he would afford manager John Gibbons the flexibility to spell veterans like Jose Bautista and Melky Cabrera in the outfield.

The 33-year-old is making $12.5 million this season and carries a club option for 2015 at $13.5 million with a $1 million buyout. Rios' option includes a trade kicker that escalates the annual salary to $14 million and increases the buyout to $2 million.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox