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  • Toronto Blue Jays Trade & Free Agent Rumors

    Follow the latest Toronto Blue Jays trade and free agent rumors, along with quick notes on the big league club, the minor leagues and the draft.
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    Leo Morgenstern
    According to a report from MLB.com's Keegan Matheson, the Blue Jays are promoting Trey Yesavage to Triple-A Buffalo. The 22-year-old right-hander is Jays Centre's no. 2 prospect in the organization.
    Yesavage was Toronto's first-round pick in the 2024 draft. He began his professional career earlier this year at Single-A Dunedin, and after stops at High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, he has received his third promotion of the year. 
    While it's unusual to see a player rise up the minor league ranks so quickly, it's hardly surprising considering how well Yesavage has performed at every step along the way. In 19 games (18 starts) across three levels, he has a 3.01 ERA, a 2.50 FIP, and an utterly ridiculous 42.3% strikeout rate. While his ERA was a little higher with New Hampshire, he continued missing bats and limiting hard contact.  
    Earlier this month, manager John Schneider named Yesavage as a possible candidate to offer some right-handed depth for the major league club (per The Athletic's Mitch Bannon). He is now one step closer to reaching the show. 
    Featured image courtesy of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
    Leo Morgenstern
    When the Blue Jays designated Ali Sánchez for assignment on Tuesday, they were surely hoping he'd pass through waivers and eventually make his way back to their minor league system. Unfortunately, their division rivals in Boston put in a claim.
    Sánchez signed a minor league deal with Toronto in December. Over 54 games at Triple-A Buffalo, he hit .279 with a .766 OPS and 107 wRC+, perfectly acceptable numbers for a glove-first catcher. He also earned two call-ups to the big league squad, one in May and the other just last week.
    Out of options, Sánchez had to be DFA'd for the Blue Jays to remove him from their active roster. The first time they did so, he passed through waivers unclaimed, and after rejecting an outright assignment, he re-signed on a new minor league contract days later. This time, however, the Blue Jays weren't so lucky.
    Toronto has one of the best catching tandems in the game in All-Star Alejandro Kirk and shockingly productive backup Tyler Heineman. Still, the team clearly valued Sánchez as a depth piece, as demonstrated by the fact that they briefly kept him around as a third catcher on their 26-man roster when they were worried Heineman might have suffered a concussion.
    Now, the Jays no longer have Sánchez as an option should Kirk or Heineman miss time. Instead, veteran Christian Bethancourt or prospect Brandon Valenzuela is likely the next man up. Bethancourt, 33, has played in parts of eight big league seasons, while Valenzuela, acquired from the Padres at the trade deadline, has yet to make his MLB debut.
    The Jays have a little less depth without Sánchez, but they will hope not to need any catchers other than Kirk and Heineman down the stretch. If they do, it could be our first chance to see what Valenzuela can do in Blue Jays blue.
    Featured image courtesy of  Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images.
    Leo Morgenstern
    The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that veteran reliever Chad Green has cleared waivers and been released. He is now a free agent.
    Green, 34, was designated for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the roster for trade acquisition Seranthony Domínguez. Any of the league's 29 other teams could have put in a claim for Green, but with approximately $3.15 million remaining on his contract this season, it's no surprise he cleared waivers. 
    The right-hander was one of the better relief pitchers in baseball during his years with the Yankees from 2016-22 (3.17 ERA in 383.2 IP), but he's never looked quite the same since his return from Tommy John surgery in 2023. In 2025, he's been one of the least effective relievers in the game. His 5.56 ERA is the fifth-highest among qualified AL bullpen arms, and no pitcher in MLB has given up more home runs than Green (14) out of the 'pen.
    Did the Blue Jays make the right call to part ways with Green? Should they have done it sooner? Have your say in the comments section below.
    Featured image courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Simon Li
    The Jays Centre number seven prospect, Kendry Rojas, has only pitched 36 2/3 innings since coming back from the injured list, and only 18 2/3 in Double-A New Hampshire. That was enough for the Blue Jays front office to give him the bump up to Buffalo, as Rojas has been almost unhittable, with a 3.86 ERA/1.86 FIP at Double-A with a 40% strikeout rate and only a 2.7% walk rate.
    After Rojas sat at 96 mph in the spring breakout game, people were hoping to see that the velocity gains were real. Rojas has consistently shown strong velocity with his fastballs, sitting at 95.5 mph in Low-A and 95 mph in Double-A. The extra velocity to his fastballs allows his secondaries to play up as hitters have less time to react to his slider and changeup. Rojas will be Rule-5 eligible after the end of this season, so he'll need to be added to the 40-man soon. If all goes well, he may push his way onto the major league roster for the playoffs when rosters expand. 
    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.
    Simon Li
    The Blue Jays have lacked international amateur free agents since the debut of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Still, this duo of teenage prospects may hopefully be a change in that, as they both made the Dominican Summer League All-Star Team.
    Catcher Franklin Rojas was ranked the 22nd prospect by FanGraphs after a successful 17-year-old campaign in the DSL. Still, he was even better as an 18-year-old, showing strong contact ability with a .298 batting average, in addition to a near 50% on-base percentage, walking 17.3% of the time with eight HBPs. Rojas also only stuck out only 13.6% of the time, although he only had two extra base hits. The teenager was given a contract worth slightly less than $1 million in the 2024 international amateur free agent class, as the Jays spread their pool after Kennew Blanco could not sign due to age-related issues.
    Infielder Juan Sanchez received the second-largest contract from the Jays' 2025 International Free Agency class, receiving just under $1 1-million himself. The 17-year-old (who turns 18 in September) slashed .316/.452/.513 for the Blue Jays second DSL-Red team, which was good for a 154 wRC+. Sanchez has flexed the power that got him ranked as one of the better prospects in the 2025 class, as he had five homers, six doubles, and a triple in just 146 plate appearances. 
    Simon Li
    According to Keegan Matheson from MLB.com, Khal Stephen is getting the call to New Hampshire after spinning a 1.49 ERA/2.80 FIP in nine starts and 48 1/3 IP. The second-rounder from Mississippi State has shown advanced command and walked just a little over 5% of the batters that he faced, utilizing a deep arsenal. 
    In addition to Khal Stephen receiving the call to Double-A, outfielder and Jays Centre's number 20 prospect, Victor Arias, is also being promoted to Double-A. The 21-year-old slashed .294/.381/.437 in 318 plate appearances.
    A couple of promising prospects are also being transferred from Dunedin to Vancouver, with Victoria, BC native Sam Shaw returning to his home province, and catcher Edward Duran also joining him. Both of these hitting prospects have been among the best hitters for Dunedin and have rightfully earned this promotion. This will also help clear some space for the incoming draft prospects of this year's draft. 
    Bryan Jaeger
    The Blue Jays selected Tim Piasentin at #143 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Piasentin is a third baseman at Foothills Composite HS in Alberta, Canada. The slot value for the pick is $503,800. The Canadian was ranked 116th on our Jays Centre MLB Mock Draft Board.
    Here's what our write-up of Piasentin by our draft expert, Jamie Cameron:
    "Piasentin is a physical prep prospect out of Alberta with an imposing, 6'3, 205-pound frame. Piasentin put up one of the more impressive rounds of batting practice and the MLB Draft Combine, underscoring that power is the calling card of the offensive profile. There's some swing and miss in this profile, but that's not uncommon for a prep prospect for whom there's a coat of two of polish to apply.
    Defensively, it's a plus arm ideally suited to third base. He's not a great mover, and there's work to do on the actions in the infield. Still, with two-plus tools, there's a chance an org takes a chance on Piasentin in the first three rounds and pulls him away from his commitment to Miami."
    What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.
    Bryan Jaeger
    The Blue Jays selected Micah Bucknam at #112 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Bucknam is an RHP at Dallas Baptist (TX). The slot value for the pick is $680,800. 
    Here's what MLB.com says about Bucknam:
    "One of the best Canadian prospects in the 2022 Draft, Bucknam turned down the Blue Jays as a 16th-rounder to attend Louisiana State. He worked just 16 innings in two seasons in Baton Rouge because of command issues, enjoying more success in two summers in the Cape Cod League before transferring to Dallas Baptist. He became the Patriots' No. 1 starter and has some of the best feel for spin in the college ranks."
    Bucknam struggled at Louisiana State in 2023 and 2024, posting an 11.57 ERA over seven innings and a 7.00 ERA over nine innings, respectively. He transferred to Dallas Baptist this past spring and threw 62 1/3 innings, posting a 4.62 ERA with an 80:25 strikeout:walk ratio.
    The righty is still raw, but he has shown he can correct his command issues. He has a four-pitch arsenal that Bucknam will need to improve on, but his fastball ranges in the 92-96 mph range, and curveball, slider, and changeup hang around the low-mid 80s, so this swing and miss potential with his speed differences.
    What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.
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