Phillies, Blue Jays emerging as possible trade partners

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Phillies, Blue Jays emerging as possible partners in blockbuster trade

By David Hill | Last updated Jul 31, 2026 8:47 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have holes in their rotation, bullpen and outfield. A trade with the Toronto Blue Jays could help fill in those gaps.

Jon Morosi from MLB Network reported that the Phillies and Blue Jays are emerging as trade partners. He noted that outfielders Daulton Varsho and George Springer, starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber and reliever Jeff Hoffman could fit the Phillies' needs.

Likewise, as the two teams are neighbors in spring training, the Blue Jays are familiar with the Phillies prospects.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post further reported that the Phillies are particularly interested in Varsho. Varsho, who was named in honor of former Phillies All-Star catcher Darren Daulton, has posted a disappointing .247/.308/.383 batting line in his 354 plate appearances entering Thursday, hitting seven homers and 19 doubles.

Daulton Varsho is among players who interest the Phillies. Philly seeks an OF, pen and a starter.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays could come together for potential blockbuster trade

Varsho is not the only Blue Jays player the Phillies are interested in. The Phillies reportedly "would love" to bring Hoffman back ahead of the trade deadline. A former All-Star as a setup man in Philadelphia, Hoffman has posted a 4.11 ERA and a 1.391 WHIP over his 46 innings, striking out 72 batters with 17 walks.

Given the Phillies' reported interest in Varsho and Hoffman, a potential blockbuster deal could happen. Either Gausman or Bieber would provide an upgrade in the back of the rotation despite their recent struggles and could be rejuvenated with a trade to a contender.

The biggest question is whether or not the Phillies have the prospects to make such a trade happen. Their system was ranked 29th in the majors by Baseball America. However, prospects such as pitcher Gage Wood or shortstop Aiden Miller may be able to headline a package of younger players that could get the Blue Jays to bite.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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