2 Blue Jays trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn’t happen

With all the trade rumors swirling over the past few weeks, the Toronto Blue Jays have put themselves right in the middle of it all, by returning to the top of the division this season. Of course, most of it might be hearsay, but eventually some of the rumors might come to fruition. If that becomes the case, which of the trade rumors would Blue Jays fans really want to come true and which ones will they sincerely hope never happen?

2 Blue Jays trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn’t happen

Blue Jays linked to David Bednar – Better come true

With the Jays looking for bullpen help at the trade deadline many media sources, including Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and even Sportsnet have mentioned Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar as their ideal prime target. That makes total sense as Bednar has been one of the premium closers in the league since 2022. With 100 saves already on his resume and a career 3.21 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, he would be a welcomed addition to any contending team.

More significantly, Bednar has been a strikeout machine this year for the Pirates, punching out 51 batters in just 37 innings for an elite strikeout rate close to 35%. That element is exactly what the Jays have been missing from their bullpen this season. So adding a flamethrower with big-time gas would make their relief corps that much more fearsome going forward.

Blue Jays interested in Dylan Cease – Better come true

As much as the Jays have been looking for bullpen help, they have been recently associated with the pursuit of front-end starter Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres. Despite the Padres appearing to still be in the playoff hunt, MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic has indicated that San Diego is open to shopping Cease (subscription required) at the deadline along with fellow teammate Michael King.

If that indeed has any substance, then the Jays should be all-in on the 29-year-old former Cy Young finalist. First of all, Cease has been quite durable, making at least 32 starts in each of the past four seasons. In addition, with a career ERA of 3.85 and WHIP of 1.26, he has been one of the more consistent starters in the league in recent years, despite his slightly inflated numbers this season. More importantly, Cease brings with him his elite strikeout ability, with a rate of close to 11 batters per nine innings throughout his career.

With the Jays rotation more or less rounding into form, Cease could make their rotation puzzle more complete heading into the stretch run and without question should be one of the main starters on the playoff roster as well.

Blue Jays connected to starting pitcher Luis Severino – Better not happen

During the past few weeks, the Jays have often been connected to the Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino. Whether it was ESPN insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel naming Toronto as a best fit for the veteran right-hander, or Trevor Plouffe of Jomboy Media predicting the Jays will acquire him in a blockbuster trade. 

But in reality, Blue Jays fans better hope it doesn’t end up happening. Severino may have built up a strong resume over the years, especially during his time with the New York Yankees when he often dominated against the Jays. However, 2025 has been a completely different Severino as he has posted an ERA close to 5.00, while giving up an AL-leading 69 runs and 129 hits and a career-high 11 losses on the season.

The Jays would be better off to keep employing Eric Lauer in the rotation or pursue another pitching option that could actually improve the pitching staff going forward.