Blue Jays Announce Trade Ahead of Guardians Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 1, 2026 4:10 PM ET

Although the MLB trade deadline has passed, it has not stopped teams from being active on the minor league trade market. With active rosters expanding from 26 to 28 in September, teams have had more flexibility to make moves and replenish organizational depth.

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams constantly adjusting from top to bottom, and the stakes are especially high for them right now. They enter Tuesday’s series opener against the Cleveland Guardians just 1.5 games back of Cleveland for the third and final American League wild card spot.

Two other teams are also in the mix, but a sweep of Cleveland would go a long way toward putting Toronto firmly in the playoff picture.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Before the series opener, the Blue Jays made a minor league trade with a team they know all too well, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the same club that beat them in the 2025 World Series just months ago.

Toronto acquired right-handed relief pitcher Jose Rodriguez, a 25-year-old who has spent six seasons in the minors and appears ready for a big-league opportunity. This year at Triple-A he has posted a 3.38 ERA with 36 strikeouts across 25 appearances.

In return, the Blue Jays sent 19-year-old Dominican Summer League pitcher Sebastian Rodriguez, a long-term project at this early stage of his development (h/t Mitch Bannon of The Athletic).

The #BlueJays have acquired RHP Jose Rodriguez from the Dodgers
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) September 1, 2026

The Dodgers likely made the move because they did not view Jose Rodriguez as part of their immediate plans. If the Blue Jays call him up he can provide bullpen depth, though he is not eligible to appear on the postseason roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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