3 trade deadline targets the Blue Jays would be smart to consider

Toronto Blue Jays have been riding the wave of dominance from their starting pitchers, while the back end of the bullpen has been lights out at the start of the season. Their lineup however, while has used a small-ball approach to secure most of their wins.

At 12-10 (.545), the Blue Jays are setting themselves up to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. While it's only the middle of April, it's never too early to look at some potential trade targets who could help Toronto get over the hump this year.

Note: All stats are through Sunday's games.

Way-too-early predictions for the Toronto Blue Jays' trade deadline

The Blue Jays have hit 12 home runs through 22 games, which is the second-lowest mark in the majors.

The hope is the Blue Jays' big boppers will start putting the ball over the wall by the time the deadline comes around, but you can never have too much power in your lineup. There's a reason that most team's spend July calling around trying to figure out the asking price for the biggest bats on the market.

Target No. 1: OF Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels

The 31-year-old right-handed hitter is a late bloomer and seems to have found his power stroke a bit late into his career.

Ward mashed 23 home runs in his breakout 2022 season where he also slashed .281/.360/.473. He was hurt for most of 2023, but still managed 14 home runs, then bounced back last year with 25 longballs.

He's slashing .216/.247/.432 this year with five home runs and eight RBI in 21 games.

Why it works

Ward had a strong finish to 2024 that's carried over to the beginning of this season. Ward has 14 home runs over his last 50 MLB games across both seasons, which is more than Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (5), George Springer (6), and Anthony Santander (9) have over that same time period.

While the Blue Jays have a bevy of outfielders already on the roster, Ward could bring legitimate power in a platoon role. Ward has also brought a much better approach to the plate overall this season as he's in the 98th percentile in chase rate and the 90th percentile in whiff rate.

He's got an interesting offensive profile, as he's hit .284 against left-handers in his career but has seen far more time against right-handers in his career.

He's mashed 64 of his 82 career home runs against right-handed pitchers, and has 1,661 career at-bats against right-hander pitchers compared to just 602 against left-hander pitchers.

Why it doesn’t work

Ward won’t be a free agent until 2027 – so it could be costly to get him from the Angels. The Angels are also off to a decent start this season and may not be looking to sell at the deadline.