Article: What Needs Should the Blue Jays Prioritize From These National League Sellers?

[Matthew Lenz]

With the July 31 trade deadline looming on the horizon, urgency will begin to mount for many Major League Baseball teams. While some clubs are firmly entrenched in playoff contention and will be looking to bolster their rosters, there is a distinct group already facing the reality of a lost season. So, who are the likely sellers from the National League? What valuable assets might they put on the market, and how could the Toronto Blue Jays leverage these opportunities to their advantage? Let's delve into the teams poised to ignite the hot stove and their potential impact on the Blue Jays’ playoff aspirations.

Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are on pace for all sorts of records - and not in a good way. They are currently on pace to win 32 games, which is nine fewer than the 2024 Chicago White Sox. The Rockies don't have much in the form of rentals, with starters Germán Márquez (6.62 ERA) and Austin Gomber (just returned from a shoulder injury) their only players on expiring deals, but that's not to say they don't have trade chips. Most notably, I anticipate many teams will be calling about starter Kyle Freeland (controlled through 2026) and third baseman Ryan McMahon (controlled through 2027). Freeland’s surface numbers are heavily inflated by pitching in Coors. On the road, the lefty has a 3.64 ERA (3.31 FIP) and a 14.6% strikeout minus walk rate (K-BB%). In regard to McMahon, Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have already shown interest in the 30-year-old. Like Freeland, McMahon’s surface stats are also impacted by Coors; his overall .739 OPS drops by nearly 200 points on the road. Other less notable names that could be available are infielders Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer, who both have mutual options for 2026. 

Miami Marlins
The Marlins are 13 games under .500 and well outside of the playoff picture. However, they are the youngest team in Major League Baseball, which makes it a challenge to know how much they're willing to sell. Kyle Stowers, Connor Norby, and Agustín Ramírez have all been great, but they're also in their pre-arbitration years. Would the rebuilding Marlins really sell what looks to be a solid core of hitters? I doubt it. On the other hand, starting pitchers Cal Quantrill (a free agent at season's end) and Sandy Alcantara (controllable through 2026) could be attractive “buy low” options at the deadline. Quantrill has an ERA minus FIP of 1.27, and Alcantara, a former Cy Young Award winner, has underperformed his FIP by 2.43 runs. However, both have well-below-average strikeout minus walk rates, suggesting their upside might be limited without some tweaking of their pitch profiles. The Marlins have gotten some good production out of their bullpen from guys like Ronny Henriquez, Janson Junk, and Patrick Monteverde. While these guys are controllable, it would make sense for the Marlins to listen to offers on any relievers.

Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are in a race for second worst team in the NL with the Marlins. There's been (mostly sarcastic) speculation that they may trade starter Paul Skenes, but I don't think they will do that – for now. Instead, they have a few assets who will likely have a market over the next month and a half. There have already been rumors floating around regarding infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who has a satisfactory (but empty) .690 OPS. Other solid players on expiring deals include outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham, as well as starter Andrew Heaney and reliever Ryan Borucki. Aside from Borucki, whose peripherals suggest some positive regression is coming, all those players have been more than serviceable this season. However, Pittsburgh's most valuable realistic trade chip is current closer David Bednar, who is controlled through the 2026 season. In 20 appearances, the righty has a 3.42 ERA, 2.14 FIP, and a 29.2% strikeout minus walk rate. He may end up being the most sought-after reliever on the market. 

Blue Jays Needs
The Blue Jays are firmly in contention for both the AL East and a Wild Card spot. While their bullpen has been among the league's best, the starting rotation is a clear weakness. Since losing Max Scherzer a few games into the season, the rotation has plummeted to the bottom third of the league in several key statistical categories. Though Trey Yesavage might be ready for a look later on in 2025, the Blue Jays lack significant reinforcements beyond Scherzer's eventual return. While offensive upgrades are needed — the Jays rank 13th in MLB in OPS and could perhaps use help in the outfield — bolstering the rotation should be the top priority. Each of the Rockies, Marlins, and Pirates has arms that the Blue Jays could pursue, but does Toronto have the assets to make a move?

The Blue Jays' playoff run likely hinges on whether or not they add a quality starting pitcher. While Yesavage offers future potential, and Scherzer is nearing a return, this team needs immediate help. Their bullpen is elite, and the offense is solid, but they need another starter. The question will be whether they have enough trade assets to acquire an arm from a team like the Rockies, Marlins, or Pirates, especially with so many other teams also looking for pitching. How the Blue Jays navigate this crucial period will determine their contention status.

How aggressive should the Blue Jays be at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

View full article