4 Blue Jays deals that would rival the Lakers' trade for Luka Dončić

No one saw Dončić going to the Lakers. Could the Blue Jays pull off a deal of that magnitude?

Los Angeles Lakers Introduce Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber & Markieff Morris
Los Angeles Lakers Introduce Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber & Markieff Morris | Harry How/GettyImages
2 of 4

'Bobby Baseball' becomes a Blue Jay

Bobby Witt Jr.
Kansas City Royals v Toronto Blue Jays | Vaughn Ridley/GettyImages

Blue Jays receive: SS Bobby Witt Jr.
Royals receive: SS Bo Bichette, RHP Kevin Gausman, OF Daulton Varsho, and LHP Ricky Tiedemann

The Royals trading Witt seems unlikely, but no one knew the Mavericks were going to trade Dončić until it happened. In the right circumstances, a deal between Toronto and Kansas City could actually make a lot of sense.

Why the Blue Jays would want Witt

Toronto is in search of the kind of game-changing talent that can push them into World Series contention. While they have good hitters in Guerrero and Santander, Witt would elevate their lineup to a whole new level.

Witt has a rare blend of a power, speed and defense. In 2024, he finished with 32 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and a .977 OPS: stats that showcase his potential as a true five-tool player. At just 24 years old, Witt Jr. is already one of the most electrifying players in baseball.

An acquisition of Witt would be about short-term contention and long-term dominance. He could slot in as the everyday shortstop or shift to third base, and his combination of power, speed, and defense would make the Blue Jays a more complete team.

Why the Royals would consider trading Witt

Kansas City has seemingly been stuck in a perpetual rebuild since winning the World Series in 2015, and while Bobby Witt Jr. is a massive part of their plans (he led them to the postseason last year), the organization still lacks the depth needed to compete in the AL Central. Trading Witt Jr. would be painful, but if it allows them to build up that depth with multiple high-end assets.

This deal gives Kansas City an established All-Star shortstop in Bichette who can immediately lead their offense. Additionally, they get a consistent starter who can lead their rotation, an MLB outfielder, and a top prospect. This deal likely only works if Toronto eats a good chunk of Gausman's salary, and Bichette commits to signing an extension.

For the Royals, this move would help balance their roster by addressing multiple weaknesses rather than relying on one superstar. While Witt Jr. is a special talent, their farm system needs more elite arms and impact bats to truly contend in the future.

From Toronto’s perspective, this trade is about going all-in on elite talent. Witt Jr. is the kind of player you can build a championship team around, and pairing him with Guerrero Jr. would give the Jays one of the most dynamic duos in baseball.

For Kansas City, the move provides more immediate contributors and fills multiple areas of need. Bo Bichette is a star in his own right, Gausman is a huge plus in their rotation, and adding Varsho (who desperately needs less eyes on him) and another prospect would help accelerate their rebuild.

Schedule