Blue Jays weigh trade options as MLB lockout deadline nears

Explainer

Major League Baseball teams are hurrying to complete off-season business before a potential lockout begins on Dec. 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires. The Toronto Blue Jays, coming off a last-place finish in the American League East, have several roster holes to address. With a weak free-agent class expected to create fierce competition, the trade market could be a primary avenue for general manager Ross Atkins. Key players like George Springer, Max Scherzer, Yimi Garcia and Shane Bieber are now out of contract with the Blue Jays.

The team declined the club option for Myles Straw and reinstated several players from the 60-day injured list, including right-handers Cody Ponce and José Berríos. Berríos decided not to opt out of the final two years of his contract and is expected to return for the second half of the 2027 season. The Blue Jays have not been afraid to make big splashes early in free agency, having signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year deal last fall, but the looming lockout and thin market add urgency to trade considerations. Garbutt Disposal reported earlier this month that the team is looking at trade options including Washington's CJ Abrams and Cleveland's Steven Kwan.

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Who are the Blue Jays' top trade targets?

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, coming off a breakout 30-30 season, could be the most talented player moved this winter if the Nationals decide to trade him. The 26-year-old is a dynamic offensive player but has been graded as one of the game's worst defensive shortstops since 2022. The Blue Jays could lessen his defensive load 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 top pitching prospects Trey Yesavage, Nolan Perry or Johnny King in return.

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is another potential fit, described as a "more Blue Jays-coded player" for his high-contact, low-chase hitting approach. Kwan, who can cover all three outfield spots, is projected to earn over $11 million in his final arbitration year before free agency. He would immediately become the club's leadoff hitter and everyday centre fielder, complementing the addition of a more powerful bat elsewhere. The low-payroll Guardians could be motivated to trade him for younger players.

Other trade candidates identified include Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill, Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski. Megill, a high-leverage reliever with a high-IVB fastball, would help replace Jeff Hoffman in the Blue Jays' bullpen. Ryan, a control-and-command right-hander one year from free agency, could provide a stabilizing mid-rotation piece. Mlodzinski, a deceptive right-hander who expressed public discontent after losing his rotation spot, might be available for a change of scenery.

What players might the Blue Jays trade away?

Versatile infielder Ernie Clement is considered Toronto's top trade asset, according to Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer. Clement, who was 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. He posted his worst batting average, slugging and OPS during his time in Toronto and has not nailed down a full-time starting spot. Clement, who has MLB experience at all four infield positions and some outfield, is projected to earn around $7.6 million next season and has two more years of arbitration before free agency after 2028.

Rymer noted that general manager Ross Atkins would likely love to offload players on bad contracts, including Andrés Giménez and Anthony Santander, but those players will be tough to trade. If the Blue Jays trade Clement, they would need a new second baseman. Free agents Brandon Lowe or Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be pursued, or the team could address the position via another trade. The Los Angeles Dodgers, set to lose Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández, are one of several teams that could have interest in a versatile player like Clement.

What is the timeline for off-season moves?

Key dates in November include the general manager meetings from Nov. 10-12 and the owners' meetings from Nov. 17-19. On Nov. 17, the deadline arrives for teams to protect eligible players from the Rule 5 draft and for players to accept or reject qualifying offers. The critical deadline is Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires. A potential lockout could begin the next day, which would bar teams from communicating with players on the 40-man roster for an indeterminate period.

Many baseball observers expect a lockout to last a few months at a minimum if no deal is reached. The Blue Jays' preseason schedule is set to begin on Feb. 19 with split-squad games against the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates. The regular season is scheduled to start March 25 at Yankee Stadium. This compressed timeline adds pressure on Atkins to act quickly in the trade market before the window for transactions potentially closes.

What other avenues might the Blue Jays explore?

Beyond trades, the Blue Jays may explore the Asian free-agent market, having previously found success with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. Pitchers Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira and slugger Teruaki Sato are names to watch now that their posting windows are open. The free-agent class also includes second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielders Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki. The biggest name in this year's pitching class is Tarik Skubal, who is expected to set a record for a free-agent pitcher contract.

Internally, questions remain about whether sluggers Addison Barger and Anthony Santander can return to form after extended injury absences and if Ernie Clement can rebound from a rough second half. The team must also decide who will replace George Springer as the designated hitter. The Blue Jays have areas of strength, such as catcher and the bullpen, but the starting rotation depth behind ace Dylan Cease and the outfield configuration are clear priorities. The coming weeks will determine how aggressively Atkins uses trades to reshape the roster before the lockout deadline.

With files from Sportsnet and The Globe and Mail