Matthew Lenz

After a heartbreaking defeat in Game 7 of the World Series, reporters were quick to look ahead to next season in their postgame interviews. After starting Game 7, Jesse Rogers of ESPN asked Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer about his future in Major League Baseball. The surefire Hall of Famer didn't fully commit to playing in 2026 but instead said "...it’s going to take some time to give a full answer to that, but there is no way that was my last pitch.” The 41-year-old Scherzer started Games 3 and 7 in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up four earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. In his only other postseason start in game four of the American League Championship Series, the three-time Cy Young Award winner earned the victory, allowing two earned runs and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings. Overall, 2025 was a tough season that was impacted by a thumb injury. The righty made 17 starts, sporting a 4.99 FIP and 16.5% K-BB rate. Scherzer is a free agent in a relatively weak 2025-2026 starting pitching free agency class. Do you think the Blue Jays should re-sign the two-time World Series champion? View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation is about to get a boost from one of their trade deadline acquisitions. Mitch Bannon of The Athletic is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays will be activating and starting Shane Bieber on Friday. Bieber has been on a rehab assignment recovering from Tommy John surgery, making seven starts across various minor league levels. In a combined 29 innings of work, he has a 1.86 ERA with 37 strikeouts and three walks. In what is expected to be his final rehab start on August 15 with Triple-A Buffalo, he pitched 7 scoreless innings, allowing six hits. On July 31, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Stephen was ranked as the number 5 prospect in the Blue Jays system and was a second-round pick in the 2024 MLB draft. What impact will Bieber have down the stretch after not pitching for more than a year? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

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