Why trading for pitching depth at deadline is crucial for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Why trading for pitching depth at deadline is crucial for Blue Jays

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 26, 2026 4:39 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays came into this season with an elite rotation. While it still contains top-tier talent with Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage, numerous injuries have tested their depth early.

The Blue Jays' most recent injury to Dylan Cease landed him on the 15-day IL. While it's a minor hamstring injury, a strain, trading for more pitching depth at the trade deadline would help the Blue Jays remain competitive.

The Blue Jays have Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios out for the season as well as Max Scherzer rehabbing a forearm and ankle injury. They were forced to rely on Eric Lauer, who had continuous uncharacteristic struggles that led them to designating him for assignment.

When it comes to the bullpen, leverage arms have been overworked due to an injury-plagued rotation. The bullpen would benefit from extra support if they want to remain competitive in the AL and make a playoff push as the season progresses.

Potential deadline needs for the Blue Jays

Acquiring a reliable back-end starter who can pitch deep in games would provide the Blue Jays with much needed insurance. It would also allow prospects in the system, such as Jake Bloss, to heal from injuries and develop.

Plus, adding a high-leverage reliever who offers late-inning bullpen depth would help with securing leads in tight games. The Blue Jays have Tommy Nance, Joe Mantiply and Yimi Garcia rehabbing injuries, so adding another arm would help strengthen the pen.

The Blue Jays would likely have to give up some of their top prospects in order to acquire stable arms who are inevitably essential for tackling a late-season playoff run. This is all dependent on how aggressive the Blue Jays plan to be at the deadline.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: