3 Blue Jays players who are fighting to keep their jobs past the deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have risen to the top of the American League East standings after a memorable mid-season series, including a four-game sweep of their rivals, the New York Yankees. Not only are they looking down at the rest of the division, but the recent hot streak has solidified Canada’s only MLB team as sure-fire buyers in the run-up to the upcoming trade deadline.

The Jays have surged to the top spot despite having regulars Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander out of the lineup, and pitchers Max Scherzer, Nick Sandlin, and Yimi Garcia recently activated after lengthy IL stints. Their absences afforded more opportunities for the likes of Davis Schneider, Myles Straw, Eric Lauer, and Braydon Fisher, who have all been major contributors to the recent winning run. 

3 Blue Jays players who are fighting to keep their jobs past the deadline

As well as the quartet has played, they will need to continue to do so to prove their value as the club looks to improve ahead of the July 31 deadline. General Manager Ross Atkins’ recent comments shed some light on what the team’s focus may be in terms of trade assets in the upcoming weeks. 

“Probably on the run-prevention side more from a depth standpoint,” Atkins said. “If we can score more, we’ll look to do that. And adding a right-handed hitter to our team is something we’ve been trying to do internally, and we have considered external alternatives as well. The run-prevention side is probably going to come from pitching with how good our defense has been.”

That quote firmly puts the futures of Straw, Schneider, and Lauer on notice. They’re both right-handed hitters, have seen steady playing time for the past month, and each brings something different to the table. 

Schneider was recalled to the majors on June 1st when Varsho was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. Since then, the fan favorite is a completely different player and one who could play a prominent role in a future pennant race. Over his last 17 games (team record 13-4), Schneider is batting .289, with two doubles, three homers, seven RBI, and a .941 OPS. He’s avoided the high strikeout totals that have plagued him in past slumps and is looking to do damage every time he’s at bat. 

Straw’s value is primarily his elite defensive skills, and that will be the asset that keeps him on the Blue Jays roster. He won the Gold Glove as a centerfielder in 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians, and there’s not another player besides Varsho that the team trusts more in that vital defensive position. Straw’s place on the Blue Jays should be secure despite a downturn in offensive production over the past month. The 30-year-old has hit just .190 with two doubles, five RBI, and a .450 OPS since the start of June after he put up a .284 average with a .688 OPS through May.

After starting the season at Triple-A Buffalo, Lauer has been a godsend for the pitching staff since being promoted to the big leagues in late April. The lefty has worked a variety of different roles, including middle relief, opener, and starter. The former Padres draft pick is 4-1 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, and a 1.4 bWAR across 45 innings.

Lauer’s performance this season is a testament to his mental fortitude and endurance after he spent the 2024 season with the Kia Tigers of the KBO. Despite his effectiveness this season, the veteran southpaw could find himself in a different role come August, as adding to the pitching staff appears to be the priority. 

The Marlins’ Edward Cabrera and Wandy Peralta of the Brewers are logical fits, if the Jays add to their group of starting pitchers, while Brent Rooker (A’s), or Ramon Laureano (Orioles) could be swapped for among right-handed hitters.