The Blue Jays managed to become the hottest team in Major League Baseball because of consistent production from just about everyone on their roster. Now they must decide which of those contributors will be pushed aside to make way for someone new.
Trade talks are expected to pick up following the annual draft, which begins Sunday. Like any general manager that oversees a contending team, Ross Atkins will spend the next couple weeks trying to figure out ways to make his roster better at the July 31 deadline.Â
The Jays’ 10-game win streak ended Wednesday afternoon against the White Sox, just one off the
Here is a closer look at the needs of a club that entered Tuesday having won nine straight games and how the potential moves would impact those already in place:
Starting rotation
Whether the Jays need another starter comes down to how much faith they have in veteran Max Scherzer to stay healthy. The team already has a competent rotation with José BerrÃos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and surprisingly reliable left-hander Eric Lauer. The Jays also expect former ace Alek Manoah to return at some point in August, while Lazaro Estrada offers depth in Buffalo.
That likely eliminates the need for a back-end piece, but there’s always room for a front-line starter, especially considering there’s no obvious choice to start Game 1 of a playoff series.
Potential fits:Â Texas’s Jacob deGrom, Minnesota’s Joe Ryan and Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta are among the top-tier starters who could become available if their teams decide to retool, but deGrom is 37 and owed a combined $75 million (U.S.) in 2026 and 2027, while Ryan also has two more years of control and would cost a ton to acquire. A more realistic option would be Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who has a 2.65 ERA and is set to become a free agent later this year. Other names to watch include the Arizona Diamondbacks duo of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly and Miami’s Sandy Alcantara.
Third base
The Jays already have a competent third baseman in Addison Barger, but he also plays the outfield, which gives Atkins flexibility. Adding a full-time third baseman make Ernie Clement a utility player and a potential platoon partner for Andrés Giménez at second. Under this scenario, Barger would move to right field with George Springer and Anthony Santander, when he returns from an injury, splitting time in left field and at designated hitter.
Springer is second to the Yankees’ Judge in on-base-plus-slugging percentage among AL outfielders.
Potential fits: Eugenio Suárez would be a perfect fit if the Diamondbacks decide they can’t contend. The soon-to-be free agent entered Tuesday with a .252 average, 28 homers and 74 RBIs. There would be a lot of teams interested in him at the deadline, including the rival New York Yankees, so he won’t come cheap. Another name to watch is Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, but he hasn’t been that effective this season with a .213 average, 12 homers and 26 RBIs.
Left field
If the Jays don’t acquire another third baseman, they could leave Barger there and target an outfielder instead. This would cost Nathan Lukes his starting job and require a move to the bench. How much the Jays need another outfielder comes down to whether they expect Santander to recover from a shoulder injury and put up strong numbers in the second half. If the Jays can’t count on Santander, Springer could get most of his at-bats at DH, which leaves room for another add.
Potential fits: Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran would slot in perfectly as a left fielder and leadoff man, but he still has three years of control remaining. Even if the Red Sox wanted to clear their outfield logjam, it is unlikely they would deal Duran to a division rival. The Los Angeles Angels’ Taylor Ward already has 20 homers and would be a more viable target.
It hasn’t all been the result of blood and sweat for Barger. Some of it has emerged from
Bullpen
Whenever the Jays are in contention, they add a reliever at the deadline and this year figures to be no exception. Yimi Garcia is expected to return later this month from a sprained ankle but the Jays still could use another high-leverage arm.Â
Potential fits: A slew of closers might become available, including Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase, Boston’s Aroldis Chapman, Pittsburgh’s David Bednar and maybe even Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran. The Jays, however, likely are set at that position with Jeff Hoffman and will instead target setup men. A few names to watch include Pittsburgh’s Danny Santana, Cincinnati’s Emilio Pagan and Minnesota left-hander Danny Coulombe.
Right-handed bat for the bench
Davis Schneider has three homers with eight RBIs and an .828 OPS since returning to the majors in early June. He has been used sparingly, but he has been effective. That might negate the need for an addition to the bench, even if Atkins recently mentioned it was an area of need.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation