Blue Jays could pursue trades as lockout looms and free-agent class is weak
The team is looking at trade options including Washington's CJ Abrams and Cleveland's Steven Kwan to address roster needs.
With a potential lockout looming in early December, the Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams hurrying to complete off-season business, and a weak free-agent class means trades could be a primary avenue for improvement. General manager Ross Atkins will be busy aiming to get the team on track after a last-place finish in the American League East. Several high-profile players, including George Springer, Max Scherzer, Yimi Garcia and Shane Bieber, are now out of contract with the Blue Jays, who also declined Myles Straw’s club option. The team could still be interested in some of those players, but it will depend on the free agency market.
One intriguing trade candidate for Toronto is Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, who is coming off a breakout 30-30 season. The 26-year-old is a dynamic offensive player but has graded poorly defensively at shortstop, a drawback the Blue Jays could lessen by shifting him to second base alongside rangy shortstop Andres Gimenez. The price for Abrams would be high, with the pitching-starved Nationals likely seeking at least one of Toronto's top pitching prospects like Trey Yesavage, Nolan Perry or Johnny King in return. Competition would be fierce from teams like the Dodgers, Red Sox, Braves and both New York clubs.
Another potential fit is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, a high-contact, low-chase hitter who can cover all three outfield spots. Kwan, who played over 600 innings in centre field this season, would immediately become the club’s leadoff hitter and everyday centre fielder, offering more certainty than internal options. Projected to earn over $11 million in his final arbitration year, Kwan could be a player the low-payroll Guardians are motivated to trade before he hits free agency next winter. For the Blue Jays, he would complement the addition of a more powerful bat in an outfield corner or at second base.
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The Blue Jays also need to address their bullpen and could target Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill, who is entering his final season of club control. Megill, with a high-IVB fastball and a wipeout curveball, would be a replacement for Jeff Hoffman to round out the back end of the bullpen. Meanwhile, Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, a control-and-command right-hander one year from free agency, could be a stabilizing mid-rotation piece if the Twins decide to trade him following a difficult second half where he pitched to a 5.02 ERA over his final 11 starts. Internally, the Blue Jays have reinstated several players from the 60-day injured list, including right-hander Cody Ponce, who is expected to be a key cog in the starting rotation next year. Right-hander José Berríos, also reinstated, decided not to opt out of the final two years of his contract and is expected to return for the second half of the season. The rotation is currently set to be anchored by ace Dylan Cease, Yesavage, José Soriano and Ponce. Trade speculation also surrounds Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement, who Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer identified as the team's top trade asset. Clement, named to the 2026 American League All-Star team, has a combined 9.5 WAR over the last three seasons but showed signs of slowing down this past season with his worst batting average, slugging and OPS during his time in Toronto. His versatility, contract control through 2028 and projected $7.6 million salary for next season could make him attractive to other clubs, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are looking for a versatile player.
If Clement is traded, the Blue Jays would need a new second baseman, with free agents Brandon Lowe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. being potential fits. The team may also explore the Asian market, with Japanese players like third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, pitchers Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira, and slugger Teruaki Sato available now that their posting windows are open. Key dates ahead include the Nov. 10-12 general manager meetings, the Nov. 17 deadline for Rule 5 protections and qualifying offers, and Dec. 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires. A potential lockout could begin the next day, with many observers expecting it to last a few months at a minimum.
With files from Sportsnet and The Globe and Mail