3 MLB trade deadline acquisitions Blue Jays' Ross Atkins can target for 2027 and beyond

The Toronto Blue Jays are likely to be one of the busiest teams at the 2026 trade deadline as they look to sell off several players.

While restocking the prospect cupboard is absolutely a good idea, general manager Ross Atkins should also be trying to acquire players who can help the Blue Jays next season with eyes on a return to contention after a frustrating year. 

There are at least three players that would satisfy the Blue Jays' need for a guy that can help them next year, with proven MLB experience.

Mitch Keller

Keller has been one of baseball’s most dependably boring pitchers for the Pittsburgh Pirates over the last few years. He owns a career-worst 4.90 ERA in 2026, but his 4.38 FIP suggests he’s been a bit unlucky. He’s also on track to make 30 starts for the fourth season in a row. 

The upstart Pirates approach the deadline at a crossroads, in position to buy but not in position to add payroll. Any addition would likely require sending out some money and Keller, who carries a luxury tax hit of $15.4 million annually through 2028, could be the guy. 

A deal that sends Jeff Hoffman to Pittsburgh for Keller could make a lot of sense for both sides. The Pirates get the late-inning reliever they desperately need while shedding some long-term money, and the Blue Jays get a reliable back-end starter under team control.

Luis Castillo 

Castillo is another pitcher the Blue Jays could acquire if the Seattle Mariners are looking to offload some money. They already have too many starting pitchers for rotation spots, with top pitching prospect Kade Anderson waiting in the wings.

The veteran right-hander is set to make $22.75 million in 2026. A deal that sends Hoffman to Seattle could also work here, especially with the Mariners reportedly open to moving one of their starting pitchers for a back-end reliever or right-handed bat.

The Blue Jays only have Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce —coming off a torn ACL—pencilled into their rotation for 2027. They could do far worse than Castillo, who is a lock to take the ball every fifth day and post acceptable numbers. 

Matt Shaw

Shaw is an intriguing young player who hasn’t yet stuck the landing with the Chicago Cubs thus far. He’s currently on the injured list at Triple-A, but has shown flashes at the plate over the last two years while also showcasing the kind of defensive versatility the Blue Jays covet.

The Cubs are likely to be extremely active in the starting pitching market at the 2026 trade deadline. Would they consider moving Shaw rather than prospects to secure the services of Kevin Gausman for a potential postseason run? 

A Shaw-for-Gausman swap would benefit both teams. The Cubs would get a playoff-calibre pitcher down the stretch, while the Blue Jays would be getting a versatile young player with plenty of upside who could help them in 2027 and beyond. 

Blue Jays have plenty of options ahead of the deadline

The Blue Jays aren't in a traditional sell off where every one on the roster is up for grabs. There is a chance this core can be competitive again in 2027. It will take some maneuvering in the offseason, as well as increased production from guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk and others. They could also use a little bit of help in the health department as well.

That means that the deadline strategy of getting what they can for the guys that won't be around next year isn't going to net them a haul. But the Blue Jays could get very creative in getting pieces back that could raise the competitive floor.

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