Throw 30 year-old starter Josh Towers into a big ol’ ballpark in the National League, and he could be a very useful back-rotation guy. The Jays already saw this happen with Dave Bush. With a 3.6 K/BB and a home run problem, Towers is definitely San Diego’s type.
Turns out that Padres GM Kevin Towers pursued Josh Towers this summer but wouldn’t part with Nick Hundley, Will Venable, or David Freese. The Jays can either go to arbitration with Towers this winter or nontender him. Even if arbitration would result in a salary around $4MM, it might make sense to sign and then trade him.
You can view my complete list of non-tender candidates here.
Another tidbit: the same San Diego Union-Tribune column linked above mentions that the Padres asked for Tony Gwynn Jr. from the Brewers during the Scott Linebrink discussions.
