5 intriguing players the Blue Jays should target at the deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in the majors over the past two weeks, a stretch that will likely make them buyers as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.
MLB.com recently published an article detailing one intriguing trade chip for all 30 teams. To little surprise, the Jays were represented in the writing by Bo Bichette, who remains without a long-term extension and a desirable add for any of the 29 other major league teams. With the possibility of moving Bichette diminishing by the minute, here’s a look at five players from the list who would be sensible fits for Toronto. 

5 intriguing players the Blue Jays should target at the deadline

Ryan O’Hearn - Orioles, 1B/DH/OF 

The Orioles weren’t supposed to be in this position. Following 101 and 91-win seasons that included trips to the postseason, Baltimore was widely expected to compete for the AL East title in 2025. That hasn’t happened, and despite winning seven of their last nine games, the O’s find themselves in last place with a 26-38 record. O’Hearn has been a bright spot and their most consistent hitter with a .316 average, nine homers, and a .897 OPS over 54 games. He brings versatility, power, and experience to a lineup that could use more thump.

Pete Fairbanks - Rays, RP

Toronto fans will be relieved to have this veteran reliever on their side, as he’s been frustrating Blue Jays hitters since 2019. The Rays have been on a roll of their own that has them back in the East and wild-card races, so there’s no guarantee Fairbanks will be available, but this team has been known to offload assets even in contending seasons. The 31-year-old is 3-1, with a 2.30 ERA and a minuscule 1.4% barrel rate allowed this season and has an affordable club option for 2026.

Tyler Mahle - Rangers, SP

Starting pitching depth has been an issue all season for the Jays, and Mahle could be one of the more enticing names on the trade block this summer.  Starting pitching is an area of strength for the Rangers and it’s unknown if they are willing to part with these assets, but the next few weeks should determine that. If Texas does decide to sell, Mahle could be the prized addition that propels Toronto towards a playoff berth. In 13 starts, the 30-year-old is 5-3, with a 2.02 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. 

Kyle Finnegan - Nationals, RP

Surprisingly, Finnegan hasn’t been traded despite being included in articles like these since 2022 on a rebuilding Nationals team. In 2025, as the righthander plays out the string of a one-year, $6 million deal, he’ll almost certainly be on the move. He’s among the MLB leaders with 18 saves, but would be asked to be part of a high-leverage group that includes Chad Green, Yimi Garcia, and Jeff Hoffman. Finnegan has a 2.38 ERA and hasn’t allowed a home run in 22.2 innings pitched.  

Jake Bird - Rockies, RP

Bird has been one of the positives in a trying year for the Rockies and their fan base. The righty has pitched in various roles, and often over multiple innings. He’s maintained a tiny 1.49 ERA despite pitching in the challenging confines of Coors Field and before a team struggling mightily.

A change of scenery may do wonders for Bird’s morale, and he would add to a bullpen that has emerged as a team strength for the Jays.