Jays GM brushes off trade critics, feels 'very good' about return for Stroman

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is pleased with his team's haul following Wednesday's trade deadline, including the two pitching prospects acquired from the New York Mets for Marcus Stroman.

Neither 18-year-old right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson nor 24-year-old lefty Anthony Kay ranks among MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospects, a fact that's caused some around the game to question the trade.

"I think people look at industry rankings and industry rankings have become a big thing," Atkins told Sportsnet's Arash Madani when asked about rival executives criticizing the return for Stroman as underwhelming. "For us, we love Simeon Woods Richardson and we love Anthony Kay. So we don't feel that way and we feel very good about the return."

Atkins also disclosed how Ken Giles' elbow issues prevented the Blue Jays from cashing in on arguably their most valuable trade chip.

"There was plenty of interest in him. I think the timing of the injury just complicated it too much for teams," he explained. "It was really hard for them to get their hands around, and arms around, and what that would mean for them moving forward."

The Blue Jays ended up trading right-hander Aaron Sanchez on Wednesday in a multi-player deal with the Houston Astros.

"He's (Sanchez) been great for the Toronto Blue Jays," Atkins said. "What he did in 2015-16 was exceptional. I will be pulling for him. It was just the opportunity. We love Derek Fisher. Really, really excited about adding him to this core. He'll complement us well."

Toronto completed five trades leading up to the deadline but didn't receive any major-league players in its moves.

"We're going to continue to add to this core," Atkins said. "Today is another day that we feel better about it. We have added in today 42 (combined) years of control of young talent that is 25 and under."