Should The Blue Jays Trade From Their Outfield Depth To Address Roster Needs?

[Bryan Jaeger]

Fresh off a World Series runner-up finish, the Blue Jays must aggressively address key weaknesses to return and win. Re-signing Bo Bichette is a notable question, alongside acquiring a back-end starting pitcher or reliever. While they can trade prospects, their MLB-ready outfield depth—young players with experience—could yield greater returns if used strategically.  

Nathan Lukes
Lukes doesn't qualify as "young" because he's 31, but this past season was his third in MLB, though it was his first playing in more than 30 games. Due to injuries to Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander, Lukes was leaned on for a career year. In 438 plate appearances, the left-handed hitter had a .730 OPS, 12 home runs, 55 runs, 65 RBIs, and a 103 wRC+.

Lukes found himself hitting in front of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for most of the season. His low strikeout rate (13 percent) led to him being a reliable option at the top of the lineup. Baseball Savant ranked Lukes in the 94th percentile for whiff percentage (14 percent).

Defensively, Lukes was as outstanding with +10 DRS (defensive runs saved) in 909 1/3 innings. He only trailed Myles Straw for Blue Jays' outfielders in DRS, but Straw played 209 fewer innings. Lukes still has five years of team control, which, despite his age, would make him a popular target. Although he likely has the upper hand to start in left field next season for Toronto, as the roster stands now. 

Addison Barger
Barger struggled in his MLB debut in 2024 (.601 OPS and 69 wRC+), but had a decent bounce-back in 2025 (.756 OPS and 107 wRC+). He had a significant power surge this past season, hitting 21 home runs, 61 runs, and 74 RBIs. Barger's biggest struggle is striking out, doing so 24 percent of the time. He spent time at the corner outfield positions and third base all season long, while filling in for injured players.

His bat speed (75.9 mph) and hard-hit percentage (51 percent) rank him in the 93rd and 91st percentiles, respectively, which is appealing from the left side of the plate. Barger, at 26, has two pre-arbitration seasons remaining and one remaining MLB option. This favorable team control could help secure a top-tier talent at a position of need. It's likely a long shot that Barger gets traded unless the Blue Jays address the hot corner by adding another player. 

Davis Schneider
Schneider has struggled to find consistent playing time in his three MLB seasons. His .708 OPS and 106 wRC+ this past season against left-handed pitchers are a little misleading, as he struggled mightily against lefties in 2024 (.528 OPS and 49 wRC+). As a righty, it won't help your case for playing time if you struggle against southpaws.

Schneider could be a developmental piece for a team since he's 26, has two MLB options, and four seasons of team control. While he may not net a top-tier return like Lukes or Barger, trading him could still secure a back-of-the-rotation starting pitcher or a middle-inning bullpen arm, especially if his opportunities in the Blue Jays lineup remain limited.

Joey Loperfido
Loperfido came over in a trade at the 2024 trade deadline that sent Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros. Loperfido was relied on this season when both Varsho and Santander were on the injured list. The 26-year-old had only 104 plate appearances this past season, but he posted an .879 OPS and a 148 wRC+.

Loperfido could appeal to teams seeking a controllable outfielder. Including him in a trade—either as a primary piece or as part of a larger package—could help the Blue Jays acquire a higher-impact player to meet their pitching or positional needs.

Trading a valuable outfielder could help the Blue Jays address primary pitching needs, but it risks future depth if injuries hit Varsho or Santander again. The potential reward—a quality starter or reliever for another title run—must be weighed against thinning a traditionally strong position.

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