Blue Jays trade deadline notes: Future rotation depth, controllable relievers, and more

New York Times

4 days ago

Over time, general managers build reputations, developing specific niches for which they're known. Seattle's Jerry Dipoto has his constant stream of trades. For San Diego's A.J. Preller, it's star splashes. Atlanta's Alex Anthopoulos locks up young players to long-term deals.
Nine years into his tenure as Toronto Blue Jays general manager, Ross Atkins' niche might be long-term pitching moves at the trade deadline. He has overseen four clear buying deadlines in Toronto. In each of those, the Jays acquired at least one controllable pitcher — five starters and four relievers with multiple years remaining. It's not always a closer or ace, with quality ranging from Mike Bolsinger to José Berríos, but there's a clear playbook Atkins could return to this week.
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'For individuals who could be here for extended periods of time,' Atkins said after the 2022 deadline. 'We've seen huge benefits in that, the continuity of guys being together.'
After winning a series against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, the Jays sit with the best record in baseball, 63-43. Things are clicking, but the upcoming trade deadline presents a final opportunity to bolster the team ahead of October. Atkins discussed the need for a bat earlier this summer, and the Jays, per a league source, are turning over every stone in the relief market.
But with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer set for free agency in the offseason, the Jays could, once again, build depth for the 2025 rotation while filling open holes beyond. Here are a few long-term options who could be available this week.
Joe Ryan, Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcántara are the biggest fish in this controllable pool, all under team control for at least two seasons after 2025 with top-of-rotation upside.
Jeffrey Springs is a particularly interesting fit in the lower tier. He has a 4.13 ERA on the season and 4.01 mark away from Sacramento, projecting as a mid- or back-of-rotation lefty. He may not be an immediate upgrade in Toronto's rotation, but with 110 career relief appearances (including two follower outings this year), Springs could join the bullpen and act as 2025 depth before rejoining the Jays' starting staff next year. He's owed $10.5 million next year with a $15 million club option for 2027.
Another long-term starter who should be available is Athletics righty Luis Severino. While the veteran expressed dissatisfaction with the Sacramento set up, and his road splits are much better, Severino isn't missing bats at all this season. He has a 4.95 ERA and a 4.53 expected mark. The 31-year-old is owed $25 million next season and holds a $22 million player option for 2027.
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The A's are actively listening on Severino, but a deal might be difficult to pull off, a league source said, as the organization isn't seen as willing to retain large portions of any contract. They sent cash with J.D. Davis in a trade to the Yankees in 2024, but that was just $927,312. There are few other examples of the A's moving cash alongside players in recent history.
Toronto could also bolster the bullpen with long-term additions at this deadline. Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase (under team control through 2028) and Minnesota's Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax (both arbitration eligible through 2027) are big-swing relief options.
The Rockies are another team to watch for bullpen help. Colorado is perceived to be engaging in trade talk in a way that opposing teams haven't seen at previous deadlines. Ryan McMahon went to the Yankees over the weekend, but the Rockies also have controllable relievers such as Jimmy Herget, Seth Halvorsen and Jake Bird to deal.
The Jays entered the 2025 season resting 24th in Keith Law's farm system rankings. While the system is still seen as sitting in the back half of baseball, it made strides in 2025, equipping Toronto with rising prospects to move this week.
Multiple opposing scouts attended Vancouver Canadians games last week. The biggest name with Toronto's High-A affiliate is shortstop Arjun Nimmala, but the Canadians also roster rising starter Gage Stanifer. Infielder Cutter Coffey and catcher Edward Duran could also draw attention.
Top pitching prospect Trey Yesavage threw four perfect innings on Saturday, striking out five batters. It was his first outing in 20 days, with one batter faced at the 2025 Futures Game in between. The pause was an intentional break to manage Yesavage's workload, with the righty currently at 71 innings pitched. He could get up to 110 to 130 innings this year and this midseason pause will allow him to pitch through September — whether that's with New Hampshire, Buffalo or Toronto.
(Top photo of Ross Atkins: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)