Trade Deadline 2025, Exploring The Blue Jays' Weaknesses: Left-Handed Relievers

As of games on July 6, Blue Jays relievers have the 10th-best ERA in MLB (3.62) and have thrown the second-most strikeouts (377). However, the Jays currently have only one left-handed reliever on the 26-man roster (excluding Eric Lauer, who has now joined the rotation). 

Brendon Little has been a workhorse in the bullpen, being the only left-handed option at times. He's logged the second-most innings (41 1/3) amongst all Blue Jays relievers while posting an impressive 2.18 ERA and striking out 58. The lefty has been nearly unhittable, allowing batters to hit only .189.

Little has been Toronto's only consistent lefty, hence the heavy workload. Other lefty relievers that have logged innings in the big leagues this season are Mason Fluharty (5.57 ERA over 34 innings), Josh Walker (7.20 ERA over five innings), and Richard Lovelady (7.71 ERA over 4 2/3 innings). Fluharty is currently at Triple-A Buffalo, Walker was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations, and Lovelady was designated for assignment in April and elected free agency. 

Bowden Francis or Alek Manoah returning to the starting rotation after recovering from their respective injuries would be a massive boost to an already impressive bullpen, as Lauer would no longer be needed as a starter. He would likely then return to a long-reliever role, unless manager John Schneider decides he needs to relieve Little's workload as a short reliever.

Internally, the only left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster are Fluharty and Justin Bruihl. Fluharty had some success early in the season, but there was a good reason the Blue Jays optioned the rookie back down to Triple A. As for Bruihl, he showed success with Toronto (2.70 ERA, 35.7% strikeout rate) but in a very limited sample. So, an additional left-handed reliever to work alongside Little is a need that the team will likely try to address at the trade deadline. However, since Bruihl is in his final optionable season, I assume the Jays have plans for him to gain more MLB experience at some point this year.