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

Late Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the sports world with their sudden acquisition of Luka Dončić. That trade got us thinking: what would it take for the Toronto Blue Jays to pull off a blockbuster trade akin to the Lakers' acquisition of Dončić?

Not only was the Lakers' trade for Dončić shocking because of the names involved (he was traded for Anthony Davis, marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other), it was also monumental because of how it reshaped the NBA landscape overnight.

While there's never going to be a perfect comparison (baseball and basketball are different sports, after all), let's explore how the Jays could make a seismic move to land one of baseball's premier talents.

The Jays make a swing for Manny

Blue Jays receive: Manny Machado
Royals receive: RHP Trey Yesavage, LHP Ricky Tiedemann and SS Arjun Nimmala

Machado might seem like an untouchable piece in San Diego, but the Padres could be looking to move on from of the giant contracts they've doled out in recent years (Machado still has eight more years left on his $350 million contract).

Why the Blue Jays would want Machado

Toronto is in win-now mode. The franchise has spent years developing a strong young core, headlined by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Bo Bichette, and has worked to add more bats this season. That said, they still need one more difference maker.

Machado fits the bill. He’s an elite third baseman and is an impact player on both sides of the ball, and never seems to shy away from the big moment. Acquiring Machado would give the Blue Jays an immediate boost in the middle of the lineup, along with providing protection for Guerrero.

Why the Padres would consider trading Machado

The Padres are in a strange financial situation, as they made a bunch of win-now moves but now appear to be trying to cut payroll due to their unstable ownership situation. They handed out massive contracts to Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Yu Darvish, and Frenando Tatis Jr. but are staring down a Dodger-sized barrel for the foreseeable future. Trading Machado could provide the financial flexibility to retool their roster while still remaining competitive.

This deal gives the Padres a promising young prospect at shortstop, while also providing a serious pitching depth for now and years to come. While the move is not exactly like the Lakers' deal for Dončić (Dončić is six years younger than Machado), it would change the landscape in the American and National League.

'Bobby Baseball' becomes a Blue Jay

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.

Elly De La Cruz becomes the face of the franchise

Blue Jays receive: Elly De La Cruz
Reds receive: RHP Jose Berrios, OF Joey Loperfido, 3B Ernie Clement and RHP Trey Yesavage

Any trade involving De La Cruz would immeditely become one of the biggest trades in MLB history. De La Cruz is one of the most best young talents in the sport, and is a true unicorn of a player who is a switch-hitting, 6-foot-5 shortstop with elite speed, raw power, and defensive versatility. The idea of him in a Blue Jays uniform might seem like a pipe dream, but when you look at the needs of both teams, this trade could make a lot of sense.

Why the Blue Jays would want De La Cruz

Trading for De La Cruz would be a move that would help Toronto both in the present and future. In 2023 he showcased his dynamic skill set with 13 home runs and 35 stolen bases while finishing in the 99th percentile in sprint speed. And if that wasn't enough, he built on those numbers last year and earned an All-Star berth.

The Blue Jays need athleticism, game-changing speed, and a true superstar talent to elevate their roster. De La Cruz brings all of that and more. Imagine a left side of the infield with De La Cruz and Bichette.

De La Cruz would give the Blue Jays legitimate power-speed threat who can change a game with one swing or one stolen base. If there's a chance for you to go get a guy who could put up a 40-40 season, you do it.

Why the Reds would consider trading De La Cruz

On the surface, moving De La Cruz seems crazy, but Cincinnati has a logjam of young infielders. They already have Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand all vying for infield spots. With so much depth, they could afford to trade from a position of strength to address other areas of need.

What do the Reds lack? Elite pitching and impact outfielders. Their young core is exciting, but they need more options on the mound, and their outfield is still a work in progress. A trade with Toronto could bring them exactly that, along with providing them a versatile player in Clement.

For Toronto, the move is about acquiring generational talent. Players like De La Cruz don’t come around often.

For Cincinnati, this deal accelerates their rebuild while balancing their roster. With the young infielders they already have on the roster, they aren’t losing their entire future by trading De La Cruz since they'll gain a high level starter, a young impact bat in the outfield, and two pitchers with high ceilings. Blockbuster trades don’t happen often, but when they do, they can change the course of franchises.

Michael Harris II brings a friend with him

Blue Jays receive: OF Michael Harris II and 1B Matt Olson
Braves receive: SS Bo Bichette, RHP Trey Yesavage, RHP Jake Bloss and cash

A trade sending Harris from the Braves to the Blue Jays would be a game-changer for both teams. Harris is one of the best young outfielders in baseball, a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder with power, speed, and contact skills. He’s already locked into a long-term contract, making this trade feel like a long shot, but if Bichette doesn't sign an extension before the season starts, he has to be traded and Atlanta will have a hard time saying no to a big bat to pair with Ronald Acuña Jr.

Why the Blue Jays would want Harris and Olson

Toronto has been searching for a long-term solution in center field for a few years now. The Blue Jays need an everyday player who can lock down center field for years to come while contributing at the plate.

Enter Michael Harris II, who has already shown that he's one of the best two-way outfielders in the game. That said, he had a bit of a dip last year, which could make him a little more tradable.

Adding Harris would give the Blue Jays elite defense in center field for the next decade via a player who fits into their long-term core. Taking on Olson's salary (he's owed $130 million over the next six years) is more than doable for this the Blue Jays.

Why the Braves would consider trading Harris and Olson

At first glance, trading Harris might seem crazy because he’s young, cheap (locked into an eight-year, $72 million deal), and productive. However, there are reasons why the Braves might be willing to consider moving him under the right circumstances.

The Braves have outfield depth to spare, as Acuña is locked in as their right fielder for years to come and is draped by Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz. If the Braves want to address a bigger need (like starting pitching or power in the infield), they could afford to trade Harris and remain strong in the outfield. Additionally, the Braves have been aggressive in trades before, which shows that they’re not afraid to make bold moves.

Olson might seem like a big piece to include in this trade, but moving on from his salary would allow for them address other areas of need. Olson is one of their highest paid players, is under contract through 2029, and is already 31. The Braves also already have an everyday DH in Marcell Ozuna, so they might prefer to add some youth and positional flexibility to their roster.

This trade would work for both sides. Toronto gets to swap offense for defense and secure a cornerstone outfielder who fits their long-term vision, while Atlanta gets a major upgrade for their infield bats while getting some money back.