As the MLB trade deadline inches ever closer, the rumor mill has started to turn for many teams and the names are as interesting as ever. The Toronto Blue Jays have the best lineup in the American League East, but their starting pitching could use an upgrade. Could the Jays pull off the move for Chicago Cubs ace Jeff Samardzija?

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, the trade that would send Samardzija to Toronto is one that is completely hypothetical on his part, but he believes it could work. The Jays pursued and missed out on Ervin Santana in free agency, but are bolstered by the career year Mark Buehrle is having. Add Samardzija to the top of a rotation that is being held above water by R.A. Dickey and Drew Hutchison and you have a rotation that can compete with any in the American League.

Sure the Blue Jays would have to part with some prospects on the farm, but Toronto has been building for years as it is. Bowden believes if the Jays were to strike early enough they could pull Samardzija for the small price of left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris, right-handed pitcher Roberto Osuna and third baseman Mitch Nay. This would be a huge get for the Blue Jays and if they can pull the move off without sacrificing top prospects Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman they could be big winners.

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56