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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    68 rumors in this category

      Matthew Lenz

      Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are expected to be suitors for former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks. Today, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic confirmed and expanded on that rumor.

      Bannon reported that the teams are targeting high-leverage relievers in free agency and identified Devin Williams, Phil Maton, and "other similar relievers" in addition to Fairbanks.

      Williams struggled through 67 appearances for the Bronx Bombers, logging 62 innings pitched in relief. Though he posted a career-high 4.79 ERA, his 2.68 FIP suggests he was better than the surface stat indicates. On the other hand, his K-BB rate of 25.0%, which would be considered low for most pitchers, was below his career average. If we can point to one thing as the reason for his struggles, it would be his league-worst 55.2% strand rate—a number roughly 20 points below his career norm and typically not predictive from one season to another. MLBTR projects him to net $68 million over four years.

      Maton appeared in 63 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers in 2026. He recorded a strong 2.79 ERA backed by an even better 2.60 FIP. Additionally, he posted a solid 23.4% K-BB rate. MLBTR named him an honorable mention on their top 50 free agents list, but didn't provide a contract prediction.

      Who are other high-leverage relievers you'd like to see the Blue Jays pursue? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Toronto Blue Jays aren't resting on their laurels after an exciting postseason run that saw them bring the superpower Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink.

      After Bo Bichette elected free agency and Shane Bieber opted in to a team-friendly deal, the Blue Jays are in a position to be aggressive this offseason. From the General Manager meetings in Las Vegas, NV, Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet are reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are "in every market".

      Citing multiple player agents, it's expected for it to "be easier for them to get players", and that the organization is "hungry" and "acting like big boys".

      While no players are named in the report, the Blue Jays have already been linked to Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Munetaka Murakami, and Pete Fairbanks. Additionally, Chris Bassitt has expressed interest in returning to the club.

      Do you think the Blue Jays will be aggressive this offseason? Let us know what you think in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Toronto Blue Jays will have a busy offseason as they've already been linked to a few of the biggest names on the market, including a reunion with infielder Bo Bichette. Now, we can add one more name to the list.

      Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Blue Jays are "expected to be suitors" for reliever Pete Fairbanks.

      Fairbanks appeared in 61 games for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, logging 60 1/3 innings pitched. The reliever registered a 3.63 FIP and posted a 16.8% K-BB rate. Despite collecting 27 saves as the Rays' primary high-leverage reliever, he posted a miniscule WPA of 0.06. The Rays declined $11 million club option, paying him a $1 million buyout and making him a free agent. He's the 44th-ranked free agent according to MLBTR, and they predict he'll net $18 million over two years on the open market.

      Do you think the Blue Jays should pony up for a high-leverage reliever to bolster their bullpen? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Toronto Blue Jays will have money to spend this winter and have choices to make on how they spend it. The team will undoubtedly try to bring back infielder Bo Bichette while also targeting pitching. However, a Japanese infielder who was recently posted may also be in the fold.

      Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet has linked the Toronto Blue Jays to Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami. As of the posting of this, teams will have 44 days to reach an agreement with the superstar from Japan.

      The 25-year-old Munetaka profiles as a big bat with a decent amount of swing-and-miss. Do you think the Blue Jays should target him?

      Matthew Lenz

      Turns out good things happen after you take the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink in the World Series. The Toronto Blue Jays are rewarding their manager following one of the best (and most-watched) Game 7s in decades.

      Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have picked up manager John Schneider's 2026 option and are discussing an extension with their skipper. As is usually the case, the financial details of the option weren't made public. He was signed to a three-year contract after taking over for Charlie Montoyo in the middle of the 2022 season.

      Despite his recent success, many fans have been critical of Schneider's in-game decision-making. Even in the World Series, his use of pinch runners for some of the team's best hitters was heavily scrutinized. However, he's led the Blue Jays to a 303-257 (.541 win percentage), three playoff appearances, and the organization's first division title in a decade. His postseason record is 10-12.

      Picking up his option was a no-brainer, but do you think he's earned an extension? Let us know in the comments!

      Featured image courtesy of John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images.

      Mike LeSage

      When the Blue Jays announced their lineup for Game 4, there were a few shuffles from the night before. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was slotted in at second base, which shifts Ernie Clement to third, and puts Addison Barger in right field. Out of the lineup was Anthony Santander.

      Manager John Schneider confirmed that Santander "woke up feeling sore" but was non-commital regarding his availability off the bench as a potential late-inning pinch hitter. 

      Ken Rosenthal and Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reported that, according to "sources," the Blue Jays had made a medical request to have Santander removed from the ALCS roster. If approved, that would make Santander ineligible for the World Series roster, should Toronto make it that far.

      Within an hour, the Jays had their answer. Santander's removal was approved, ending his season. Joey Loperfido has been called up to take his place and is active for tonight's game.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to a report from The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli, Toronto Blue Jays executive James Click was one of "at least three candidates" the Colorado Rockies interviewed to be their newest "head of baseball operations."

      Click was the Houston Astros' general manager from 2020-22. Houston made the playoffs in all three seasons of his front office tenure and won the World Series in his final year with the club. Following his surprising departure from the Astros, he accepted a job as the Blue Jays' vice president of baseball strategy, a role he has held for the past three seasons.

      There was a time not so long ago when Click was a popular choice among fans to succeed Ross Atkins as Toronto's GM. However, considering the team's success this season, it's hard to imagine Atkins is going anywhere any time soon.

      Featured image courtesy of Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Mark Sheldon of MLB.com posed one question for Cincinnati’s offseason: Would trading Hunter Greene help bring back a bat? The 26-year-old Greene is signed through the 2028 season, with an option for 2029, all well below market value for a free agent of his calibre.

      In 2025, Greene made 19 starts and threw 107 2/3 innings with a 2.76 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 31.4 K%, 6.2 BB%, 1.25 HR/9, and a 0.94 WHIP. His average four-seam fastball velocity was 99.4 mph. 

      For comparison, Toronto’s primary starters produced the following 2025 lines. Kevin Gausman: 32 starts, 193 innings, 3.59 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 8.81 K/9, 2.33 BB/9, 0.98 WHIP. Chris Bassitt: 31 starts, 170 1/3 innings, 3.96 ERA, 4.18 FIP, 8.77 K/9, 2.75 BB/9, 1.16 WHIP. José Berríos: 30 starts, 166 innings, 4.17 ERA, 4.85 FIP, 19.8 K%, 8.0 BB%. 

      As a staff,  in 2025 Toronto's rotation ranked 20th in ERA (4.34), 14th in strikeouts (786), and 24th in FIP (4.46).

      Greene’s expected indicators included a 3.09 xERA and 3.27 xFIP in 2025. He has yet to exceed 150 1/3 innings or 26 starts in a season, with a 2025 groin strain among recent IL stints. 

      Leo Morgenstern

      Francys Romero of Beisbol FR and KBO Insider Daniel Kim have both reported that the Blue Jays are "expected" to sign international free agent Seo-jun Moon to a contract with a signing bonus of more than $1 million. The right-handed pitcher is considered one of the top high school prospects in Korea. 

      This is a noteworthy signing, not only because of the lucrative bonus but also because it is unusual to see a Korean prospect opt to sign with an MLB organization rather than enter the KBO draft. The Jays seem to be taking advantage of their particularly deep pockets this year; the $2 million they added to their international bonus pool in the Myles Straw trade gave them the largest bonus pool for the current signing period of all 30 teams. 

      What do Jays fans think of this report? Join the conversation in the comments below.

      Featured image courtesy of Andrew West, The USA Today Network via Imagn Content Services, LLC.

      Leo Morgenstern

      The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon reports that the Blue Jays were “open to discussing their best prospects” as trade chips ahead of the July 31 MLB trade deadline. The Jays ultimately acquired Shane Bieber, Louis Varland, Ty France, Seranthony Domínguez, and Brandon Valenzuela without giving up either shortstop Arjun Nimmala or right-hander Trey Yesavage, widely considered their top two minor leaguers. Bannon mentions left-hander Johnny King as another high-ranked prospect the club held onto.

      However, Ross Atkins and Co did trade several promising youngsters, including pitching prospects Khal Stephen, Juaron Watts-Brown, and Kendry Rojas, as well as major league position players Alan Roden and Will Wagner. Jays Centre's Bryan Jaeger recently wrote about what the team gave up in Stephen, while Simon Li did the same for Rojas and Roden.

      What do you make of the report that the Blue Jays were open to trading their top-ranked prospects? Do you wish Atkins was more aggressive at the deadline, or are you glad he kept the likes of Nimmala, Yesavage, and King in the organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

      Featured image courtesy of the Vancouver Canadians.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, right-handed reliever Phil Maton remains a top trade candidate with hours to go before this evening's deadline. Goold writes that "talks involving" Maton continued late into the night yesterday and names the Blue Jays as one team involved in those discussions. 

      The Blue Jays had been linked to former Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley before the Mets acquired his services on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I suggested earlier this week that former Blue Jay (and now former Cardinal) Steven Matz would be a great trade target for Toronto, but he has since become the newest member of the Red Sox. That leaves Maton as the top trade chip left in St. Louis's bullpen. 

      So, could the Jays strike a deal to bring Maton to Toronto? The righty might not be a Helsley or Jhoan Duran-level acquisition, but he has a 2.35 ERA and 2.55 xERA in 40 games this year and a 3.10 ERA in 179 appearances over the past three seasons. There is little doubt he would improve the Jays' bullpen, and it's no secret that Ross Atkins is looking to do exactly that ahead of the deadline.

      Should the Blue Jays try to strike a deal with the Cardinals for Phil Maton? Or is there another bullpen arm you'd rather they target? Join the conversation in our comments section.

      Featured image courtesy of Jerome Miron, Imagn Images.

      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.

      Matthew Lenz

      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.

      Leo Morgenstern

      When ESPN's Jeff Passan included Steven Kwan on his list of this summer's top trade candidates, he noted that "Cleveland doesn't want to deal him" but acknowledged that "the Guardians at the very least will listen to see if teams are willing to blow them away with offers."

      Unsurprisingly, several teams have already come up in trade rumors involving the two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, who remains under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Blue Jays, as well as the Dodgers, Phillies, and Padres, are "in the mix" to land Kwan.

      Jays Centre's Owen Hill recently wrote about the possibility of Toronto trading for Kwan, noting that "his style of play would fit seamlessly with what the Jays already do well" and that he would "immediately put a stop to the revolving door in the leadoff spot."

      Meanwhile, Jays Centre's Jesse Burrill included Kwan in his piece about the pros and cons of various potential trade deadline targets. Burrill pointed out that "you don’t have to squint very hard to see why the Blue Jays would be interested in a player like Kwan," but also recognized that this team already has a crowded outfield, and a player like Kwan certainly won't come cheap.

      So, do you think the Blue Jays should target Kwan ahead of Thursday's trade deadline? Or are you concerned his price tag will be too high and think the Jays would be better off pursuing other upgrades? Join the discussion in the comments section!

      Featured image courtesy of Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

      Matthew Lenz

      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.

      Matthew Lenz

      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!

      Matthew Lenz

      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!

      Brock Beauchamp

      In Jim Bowden's latest roundup of all 30 MLB teams and where they stand 10 days from the MLB trade deadline, he mentions that the Blue Jays have been connected to several Pirates pitchers and a pair of Diamondbacks pitchers.

      The Pirates mentioned are Mitch Keller, Dennis Santana, and David Bednar.

      The Diamondbacks mentioned are Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

      Additionally, in a Blue Jays trade deadline roundup from Mitch Bannon (also of The Athletic), it's highlighted that as the middle of the American League Central stumbles out of playoff contention, it could be a boon for Toronto. In particular, the Guardians and Twins have a bevy of upside, high-impact arms that any contender could slot into a closer's role.

      The Blue Jays have the 26th-ranked FIP in baseball at 4.57. They have ninth-ranked bullpen FIP at 3.79.

      Matthew Lenz

      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!
       

      Matthew Lenz

      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!

      Matthew Lenz

      After the Toronto Blue Jays formalized their extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earlier this week, it became unclear whether the team would be able to do the same with Bo Bichette. The 27-year-old shortstop is currently set to hit free agency at season's end and, despite an injury plagued 2024 that sapped his power, is expected to be one of the top commodities of the upcoming free agent class.

      On Wednesday, the Blue Jays General Manager provided some clarity via Hazel Mae of Sportsnet.

      This was something that was echoed by Bichette himself last season stating in part, "...my ultimate goal really is to play with Vladdy (Guerrero Jr.) forever, to win a championship with him and to do that with this organization..."

      Bichette has been one of the pillars for thr Blue Jays since playing in 159 games in 2021 after partial seasons in 2019 and 2020. He has a career .776 OPS with 93 home runs, 56 stolen bases, and plus defense at one the game's most premium positions. His success and popularity has garnered him two All-Star nods as well as MVP votes in three seasons.

      Do you think the Blue Jays should lock up Bichette ASAP or let him test free agency at season's end?

      Matthew Lenz

      MLB Insider and Broadcaster Mike Rodriguez is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr are "very close to finalizing a $500-million plus extension".

      It's been a roller coaster of an offseason for the Jays and their star corner infielder, but it looks like the ride is about to come to an end in the form of an extension.

      In his first seven games of the season, the slugger is slashing .222/.290/.333 with no home runs, three runs scored, and three runs batted in.

      Davy Andrews

      This morning, Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Blue Jays had made another offer to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Not much later, Héctor Gómez reported that the offer would be for 14 of 15 years and in the range of $550-600 million. The big question that has not yet been answered is how much deferred money the contract includes. That's important because it will determine the actual value of the deal. In the meantime, it looks like Guerrero's contract will remain top of mind throughout Opening Day.

      Matthew Lenz

      Alden González of ESPN is reporting that Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s asking price was "much less"  than the asking price of Juan Soto who netted a $765 million deal from the New York Mets earlier this offseason.

      This news comes two weeks after the deadline that Vlad Jr.'s camp established came and went without a deal. The 26-year-old now anticipates that he will reach free agency next year, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

      The most recent report adds that the ask was for the same number of years as Soto's contract (14) but that the total salary didn't reach $600 million. 

      Despite a very good bounce back campaign in 2024 that saw the slugger carry a .940 OPS with 30 home runs and 103 RBI's across 159 games, the Blue Jays may be smart to stand their ground. Not because Vlad's 2024 production is sustainable or repeatable, but because of Pete Alonso's 2024 free agent experience. The market for Alonso never really got "hot" relative to his level of production, which led to the masher going back to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal. Of course, he's four years older than Vlad Jr., but it still holds to reason that he Blue Jays might be better off seeing how his market plays out next offseason.

      Do you think Vlad's ask is too much or should the Blue Jays have signed him?

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