Hot Stove: Jays Land Reyes, JJ, Buehrle

UPDATE 9:02 PM: The trade looks nearly complete. As of right now, Reyes, Johnson, Buehrle, Bonafacio, Buck and $4 million will head North of the Border for Escobar, Hechavarria, Henderson Alvarez, Justin Nicolino, Jake Marisnick, Jeff Mathis, and Anthony DeSclafani per Morosi. Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the trade is official barring league approval and all systems appear to be go on that front. Nicolino is the highest profile prospect of the bunch, projects to be a 3rd or 4th starter who relies on control, and ranked fifth on FanGraphs 2012/13 Top 15 Blue Jays’ Prospect list. Marisnick ranked sixth on that list and is comparable defensively to Anthony Gose. Hechavarria and Escobar now project as the Opening Day third base and shortstop starters for Miami. In short, the Blue Jays just acquired quite a haul for a lot of middle-tier prospects and two infield experiments.

The Marlins Opening Day commitments now stand at around $16 million, $84 million less than last year’s $100+ million payroll. Reyes, Johnson, Buehrle, Bonafacio, and Buck join Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez, Heath Bell, and recognizable names to be dealt from the club since the beginning of 2012.

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Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports is reporting that the Marlins have traded a package of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonafacio, and John Buck to the Toronto Blue Jays for a package headed by infielders Yuenel Escobar and Adeinny Hechavarria. The move is in stark contrast to last year’s agressive talent acquisition streak by Miami and continues their firesale, eliminating over $150 million more from their long-term commitments. No word yet if the Marlins have also included any cash in the deal to cover the salaries. There is said to be much more involved in this trade so keep us tuned in for updates.

The move, while not Phillies related, seemingly eliminates two tough pitching match-ups for the Phils and subtracts one of the best shortstops from the division and the league.

It was mostly quiet on the Phillies’ front today otherwise with remaining free agents but it will be interesting to see if this accelerates or slows the Fightins aggression in pursuing trades or free agents. Possible center field target Torii Hunter is reportedly targeted by 14 teams but has narrowed his desired destination to just Detroit and Texas while the Phils still seem to be in the hunt for Kevin Youkilis per Morosi as well. Also, the Braves have reportedly joined the Phils as teams interested in Cody Ross.