Blue Jays Could Flex Their Muscles Taking These Star's Massive Contracts at the Trade Deadline

The Blue Jays struggled to start the season, going 14-16 in March and April, but flipped a switch over the past few months. The team went 16-12 in May, 16-10 in June, and 9-3 so far in July. They sit atop the AL East, but have the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox nipping at their heels, all of whom are within 5.5 games of their spot atop the division.

The first place standing is somewhat misleading, as the Blue Jays have had the 12th-easiest schedule thus far, yet they only have a +17 run differential, which is tied for the second-lowest among teams with a winning record. Looking at the fifth-strongest remaining schedule in the second half, to return to the postseason and have a legitimate shot at a World Series run, the front office may need to dip into their big-market wallets to take on massive contracts to receive a superstar or two.

General Manager Ross Atkins has already stated they'd be "ultra aggressive" at the trade deadline. The Blue Jays haven't won the division since 1993, didn't qualify for the postseason last season, and haven't advanced past the Wild Card round since 2016 (when they lost to the then-Cleveland Indians). So, the front office doesn't want to waste the opportunity they are presented with, even though the rough second half schedule will be a challenge.

The Blue Jays are already more than $30 million over the Competitive Balance Tax Space and have a $10 million penalty for a repeat offense. It's no secret that the Blue Jays need a starting pitcher for depth due to their current injuries. Alex Manoah (starting rehab assignments) has missed the entire season recovering from UCL surgery that he suffered in June last season, and Bowden Francis has been out since June 14 with no return timetable.

In their absence, Eric Lauer has done an excellent job filling in, but he's needed in the bullpen as another lefty option. With Lauer starting games, Brendon Little has been left as the only left-hander in the bullpen for the majority of that span.

Even when Manoah and Francis do return, if the Blue Jays are all-in for a postseason run, then they need a power arm. Eating all or a big chunk of a contract can help the Blue Jays avoid dealing away their better prospects.

Jacob deGrom

Over the next two weeks, the Blue Jays need to watch if the Texas Rangers fall further behind in the Wild Card race. They're currently 48-49, 8.5 games behind in the AL West, and 3.5 games behind in the Wild Card race. If they fall out of contention, deGrom should be a name the Blue Jays ask about.

The Rangers may be willing to drop the 37-year-old, oft-injured superstar. He has $75 million owed over the next two seasons and a $20 million club option in 2028 that could become a $37 million player option based on performance incentives. Following years of injuries, deGrom has returned to his two-time Cy Young Award-winning form after failing to reach 93 innings in the last five seasons.

This season, the ace is 9-2, having recorded a 2.32 ERA over 112 1/3 innings, and a 113:26 strikeout:walk ratio. This acquisition is a long-shot scenario since the righty has a full no-trade clause, but when it comes to flexing your muscles, adding a pitcher of this ilk shows the league you have a championship in mind. Pairing deGrom with José Berrios and Kevin Gausman on the mound in a postseason series would be intimidating for any opponent.

Mitch Keller

If deGrom's contract proves prohibitive, a (likely) easier starter to acquire would be the Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller. It's not the sexiest acquisition, but he's a consistent innings-eater. The 29-year-old has thrown more than 150 innings the past three seasons and is only 31 innings away from pushing that streak to four. Keller has three years remaining on the five-year deal he signed in 2024, but the Blue Jays could eat the remaining $54.5 million.

The righty has posted a 3.48 ERA and a 92:32 strikeout:walk ratio this season. Out of his 20 starts, 14 have resulted in quality starts, which means he threw more than six innings and allowed three or fewer runs. Since the injury bug has bitten the starting rotation all season, having a reliable arm will go a long way to help the Blue Jays make a deep postseason run.

With the Pirates being sure sellers, Keller will be a popular option. The competition may hurt the Blue Jays, as the Pirates will likely be seeking offensive prospects, which is not the strength of the Blue Jays' farm system, with 11 of their top 15 prospects being pitchers. If the Blue Jays take on the rest of Keller's remaining $54.5 million, then mid to lower-tier prospects should seal the deal (assuming Toronto is willing to surrender at least one high-end arm).

Either way, a starting pitcher is needed to give the Blue Jays depth at the position. Adding a power arm for a second-half push and potential postseason run will be a significant addition, as will healthy returns from Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander. It'll be fun to watch how Atkins approaches the next two weeks.