Matthew Lenz

The Toronto Blue Jays front office is going to be especially busy this week as we approach the 48-hour mark to the trade deadline. Just today, they've been rumored to be talking with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals regarding their high-leverage relievers. And they're not stopping there. Jim Bowden is reporting that the Blue Jays "are speed dialing the [Minnesota] Twins at an annoying level with continued interest" in multiple players. He also mentions four other teams, including two AL East rivals. The headliner would be starter Joe Ryan, who is having a Cy Young caliber season to this point, sporting a 2.82 ERA (3.17 FIP) and a 23.8% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate. He is controllable through 2027. However, he's not the only high-end asset the Twins have to offer, and the Blue Jays are interested in. They're also calling on "basically the whole bullpen", which focuses on Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and possibly even Danny Coulombe. All three have been elite producers for the Twins this season, and Duran and Jax are controllable through 2027. Coulombe, a lefty specialist, will be a free agent at season's end. Lastly, Bowden reports that they're also calling on outfielder Harrison Bader and super-utility player Willi Castro. Both players have been plus contributors for the Twins. Bader is carrying a .776 OPS with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He also provides a plus glove in the outfield. Castro, who is less strong defensively but much more versatile, has a .761 OPS with 10 home runs and nine stolen bases. Both players will be free agents at the end of the season. The Blue Jays have been tied to MANY names today alone. Who should they prioritize? Join the conversation in the comments. View full rumor

For the second time today, the Toronto Blue Jays are being tied to a high-end reliever. Earlier in the day, it was reported that they were in discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a reliever – likely David Bednar and/or Dennis Santana. Not long after, Mark Feinsand reported that the Blue Jays are one of many suitors for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Helsley has appeared in 36 games with an ERA of 3.00, though that is partially inflated by a stretch in June in which he gave up an earned run in four consecutive appearances. He has a FIP of 3.50, and he carries a strikeout-minus-walk rate of 17.2% due to an elevated walk rate. He has recorded 21 saves this season with a WPA of 1.50. He is set to be a free agent at season's end. Should the Blue Jays prioritize Helsley or one of the Pirates' relievers? Join the conversation in the comments! Featured image courtesy of Jeff Curry-Imagn Images. View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to bolster their pitching staff before the trade deadline - both the starting rotation and bullpen. Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that "the [Toronto] Blue Jays and [Pittsburgh] Pirates have discussed trade possibilities that would involve a reliever going to Toronto." Morosi points out that David Bednar and Dennis Santana are the Pirates' two best relievers. Bednar has appeared in 42 games this season pitching 38 innings. His ERA is 2.37, he holds an impressive FIP of 1.96, and has recorded 17 saves. Bednar was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 23 (retroactive to June 20) with a strained left oblique muscle, but has since returned. He is under team control through 2026. Santana has appeared in 45 games this season pitching 45 1/3 innings. His ERA is 1.39 and his FIP is 2.43. He has recorded five saves and 12 holds. He is controllable through 2027. View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to bolster their starting rotation over the next six days. So, it's not necessarily a position of need at the moment. If they learned anything from earlier this year, it's that they need to have a plan in place in case injuries strike again. After being tied to the San Diego Padres' Dylan Cease earlier in the week, Hector Gomez is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have inquired about Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins. Alcantara's 2025 season has been a challenging one as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. Through 20 starts and 104 innings pitched, Alcantara has a high 6.66 ERA, which is two runs higher than his FIP, suggesting he's been particularly unlucky with balls in play or hasn't received strong defensive support. His strikeout rate (K%) is down to 16.7%, and his walk rate (BB%) is up to 8.9%, leading to an abysmal K-BB% of 7.8%. While there have been a few promising starts, he has largely struggled to find the consistency that made him a Cy Young winner. He is controllable through next season with a $17.3 million salary. Would you rather see the Blue Jays add Cease or Alcantara? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The San Diego Padres plan to be buyers at the deadline in anticipation of a playoff push. They may also be sellers, and the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of their suitors. Jon Heyman of the New York Post is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have "expressed interest" in San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Across 20 starts and 108.2 innings pitched, Cease's. ERA currently stands at 4.64, which is more than a full run higher than his FIP, suggesting he's experienced some bad luck or been hurt by his defense. Cease continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher, with a K% of 30.0% and a BB% of 8.4%, translating to an impressive K-BB% of 21.6%. He will be a free agent at season's end with incredible upside despite his under-performing surface stats. Given the shallow starter's market and the numerous teams seeking rotation help, his cost will be substantial. Any team acquiring the right-hander will likely need to overpay to acquire him. Moreover, given the Padres' position in the playoff picture, they are likely looking for a combination of MLB-ready and prospect pieces. Should the Toronto Blue Jays do what it takes to acquire Dylan cease? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays, currently in 1st place in the American League East, biggest need at the upcoming trade deadline is in their starting rotation. While they've been tied to some different names over the last few weeks, we have a new name entering the mix. Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen. Gallen's 2025 season has been a struggle. Through 115 innings pitched across 20 starts, Gallen's ERA sits between 5.40 ERA. His underlying metrics also reflect these difficulties, with a 4.80 FIL and a strikeout-minus-walk rate (K-BB%) is 13.1%, marking a notable decline in his ability to control the strike zone effectively, contributing to his highest ERA in years. He will be a free agent at seasons end. Should the Blue Jays pursue a struggling rental or go for a bigger target? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

It's been over 15 months since Alek Manoah has pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, but he is making small steps towards returning to the Rogers Centre mound. Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet is reporting that former Cy Young Award finalist will begin a rehab assignment on Monday, July 14th with the Blue Jays FCL affiliate. The timeline Zwelling notes in his tweet would see Manoah returning in the middle of August, at best. Roughly two weeks following Major League Baseball's trade deadline. While he'll be a welcome addition if he can make it back to the big-league pitching staff, it would be irresponsible for the Blue Jays front office to approach the deadline thinking they can rely on Manoah's return. Not only has it been over a year since he's pitched in a game, but it's been considerably longer since he has shown to be a productive pitcher. How do you think Manoah's impending return will impact the Blue Jays trade deadline plans, if at all? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays are currently sitting two games ahead of the New York Yankees for the American League East division lead. Having not won the division since 1993, the Blue Jays front office is not going to let the opportunity pass them by. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that "Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins also boldly stated that the Blue Jays will be ultra-aggressive at the trade deadline, seeking a starter and a catcher." The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been a blend of veteran consistency and new contributors. While established aces like José Berríos (3.53 ERA) and Kevin Gausman (4.13 ERA) have provided solid starts, Eric Lauer has emerged as a key addition, solidifying the rotation after being moved into a starting role. Chris Bassitt has posted a mixed year with a 4.16 ERA. Despite some concerns regarding the back end, the rotation has received a boost from Max Scherzer's return from injury. While the rotation has been solid, you can never have enough pitching - especially in the offense heavy AL East. The Blue Jays' catching tandem of Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman has been a major strength. Kirk, in particular, is having an outstanding season, performing as one of the best catchers in MLB. He has displayed impressive offensive prowess and elite defensive metrics, including excellent pitch framing and blocking. The duo has combined for 11 Defensive Runs Saved, ranking among the top catching groups in the league, contributing significantly to the team's overall defensive strength. It's a bit of a surprise that Atkins would be looking to bolster that position group. What should be the Blue Jays priorities at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Atlanta Braves are potential sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, though currently sit just six games back of a spot in the National League Wild Card race. Of the names that could be dealt, Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that designated hitter Marcell Ozuna "is included in a lot of trade speculation". With Anthony Santander's slow start and injured shoulder, the Toronto Blue Jays could benefit from adding Ozuna to their lineup. Currently, outfielder George Springer has been manning DH in Santander's absence. He's been very productive at the plate with an .820 OPS and 11 home runs, resulting in a 131 wRC+. While he no longer grades out as a plus outfielder, he could move back to the grass and provide serviceable defense with his glove to make room for at-bats from Ozuna. However, this could create a bit of a logjam if Santander does return. Money and prospect capital could be another hindrance to acquiring Ozuna, who has a 126 wRC+ this season. The Blue Jays currently have the fourth highest payroll in baseball and are only $7.5 million under the CBT threshold. While Ozuna is set to be a free agent at seasons end, he would be owed a prorated amount of his $16 million 2025 salary. Moreover, the Blue Jays have a weak farm system limiting the caliber of player(s) they could add at the upcoming deadline. Do you think the Blue Jays should kick the tires on Ozuna? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Robinson Piña of the Miami Marlins who will provide some depth - likely in a relief role, though he had the ability to start. Though he was recently DFA'd by the Marlins, Piña has been production as a starter for Triple-A Jacksonville. With the various injuries that have plagued the Blue Jays pitching staff, he'll be a versatile depth option when needed at the big-league level. In 13 appearances (11 starts), Piña has a 3.47 ERA, 3.73 FIP, and a 16% strikeout-minus-walk rate across 57 innings. Though he's been able to limit walks in 2025, command has traditionally been an issue for Piña capping his upside. If he can maintain that improvement, he could be a serviceable low- to medium- option out of the bullpen. This isn't a splashy move and the Blue Jays will need to bolster their 'pen for the playoff push. Who else should they target with trade deadline approaching? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

Max Scherzer looked great in Wednesday's game at Triple-A Buffalo. Through 4 1/3 innings the Blue Jays starting pitcher struck out eight batters in 75 pitches, including striking out the side in the second inning. According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, "If he can still give the Blue Jays a thumbs up in the morning without wincing, he’s expected to make his next start in the big leagues..." It's a welcome sight for the Blue Jays who have dealt with a variety of injuries on their pitching staff. Scherzer looked great in his first two starts with the team before his thumb began giving him issues. View full rumor

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