3 trade deadline deals that could push Blue Jays ahead of the pack in AL Wild Card race

The Toronto Blue Jays may have staggered coming out of the gate to start their 2026 MLB season. However, some much more steadier play in recent weeks have gotten the Blue Jays back into the playoff picture as we head into the heart of the summer.

In terms of catching the American League East leaders and challenging for a division title, that might be out of the question this season as Toronto currently sits more than 8.5 games out behind the Tampa Bay Rays and a full nine games behind the New York Yankees. Nevertheless, the Jays still have a legitimate shot at securing a Wild Card berth when all is said and done.

So what potential moves can Toronto pursue in the coming weeks to help bolster their roster for the stretch run?

These trade targets could significantly help the Blue Jays chances in making the playoffs

P Aroldis Chapman

With the Boston Red Sox likely headed towards a throw-away season, they currently hold a superior asset that could become a huge difference maker for the Blue Jays. That player is veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman.

At 38 years of age, Chapman has dramatically turned back the clock and more this season. He has compiled a 0.46 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, giving up just one earned run on nine hits all season, along with 26 strikeouts in 19.2 innings pitched over 20 relief appearances. More importantly, Chapman has been a perfect 13-for-13 in save opportunities.

Despite Louis Varland having done a superb job for the Blue Jays this season since taking over some of the closing duties, he is better served in the “all-situations” role like how Jays manager John Schneider deployed him during the postseason last year. That way, Varland could be used in the most critical times in the game and prevent wearing him out due to over-usage. At the same time, Chapman would finally provide Toronto with the surefire, shutdown closing ability to finish off ballgames.  

P Sonny Gray

In continuing with the potential fire sale of the Red Sox, veteran starting pitcher Sonny Gray would be a valuable add to round out the Blue Jays rotation heading into the stretch run. The former Cy Young finalist has been one of the rare bright spots for Boston this season.

In 12 starts in 2026, Gray has posted a blazing 8-1 record with a 3.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, with 16 walks and 51 strikeouts in 62.1 total innings of work. More impressively, the 36-year-old right-hander has been a perfect 6-0 with a tidy 2.29 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, along with 38 strikeouts in 39.1 innings pitched in his past seven outings.

If Gray could manage those numbers with practically the second-worst offense in the league, think of how much more he could flourish with the Blue Jays, if they live up to their offensive potential. Added to the stellar defense that Toronto could provide with all of their key players healthy, the 36-year-old veteran would feel like an ace addition to the Jays pitching staff as a result.

P Tarik Skubal

Finally, we have the one that no doubt can be a game-changer for the Blue Jays this season and potentially beyond in Tarik Skubal. Having taken home Cy Young honours in each of his past two seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Skubal was off to a strong start to his 2026 campaign as well before undergoing surgery for his elbow injury. In seven starts, the 29-year-old left-hander posted a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, with 45 strikeouts in 43.1 total innings pitched.

Skubal was recently activated off the injured list and made the start against the Cleveland Guardians this past Saturday. Although he ended up taking the loss while looking a bit rusty, yielding two runs on five hits with four strikeouts in just over 4.2 innings of work, he didn’t show much ill-effects from his injury as well as seeing an increase in pitch velocity compared to prior to his ailment.

Adding Skubal to the Jays rotation could give Toronto an unbeatable 1-2 punch alongside Dylan Cease potentially for this season and for many years to come if they can manage to extend Skubal. But even if it is only for the rest of the 2026 year, Skubal’s impact should be enough to enable the Blue Jays to win the Wild Card race and get right back into World Series contention.

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