Blue Jays could leapfrog Yankees by stealing Trade Deadline targets after latest rumors

The Toronto Blue Jays have done an amazing job against their rivals, the New York Yankees this season. After an impressive sweep at home before the All-Star break, the Blue Jays are 5-2 against the Yankees this season (including Monday's 4-1 win).

Now that they have built themselves a cushion in first place, there are rumors spreading that the two teams have similar interests in players ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. If the Blue Jays play their cards right and steal the Yankees targets, that would be the cherry on top to leapfrog them to an AL East title. Rumors from two different reports suggest that Toronto could do so.

Blue Jays and Yankees have similar interests in a third baseman and pitcher ahead of trade deadline.

Starting off with Sportsnets Ben Nicholson-Smith, he reported in an article that the Yankees and Blue Jays have very similar positional targets. He noted, "starting pitching, bullpen help and third base likely to be areas of interest for general managers Brian Cashman and Ross Atkins."

The pitching was obviously a known area, but third base came out of nowhere. Ernie Clement has been elite defensively with a great, old-school approach at the plate. Addison Barger can also play there with one of the most underrated bats in baseball. What could this mean? The Yankees appear to be very in on Eugenio Suarez and Ke'Bryan Hayes. Maybe Ryan McMahon is involved too. If Toronto somehow acquires one of those players, stealing them from New York, that could give the Blue Jays a big jump in the division.

The other significant report to the organization is from Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. He reported that the Blue Jays now have connected with Pittsburgh about Mitch Keller. He also reported a day prior that the Yankees were "picking up steam" on Keller and now the Blue Jays are involved.

Additionally, he added that the Blue Jays also reached out about a reunion with super utility-player Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The Blue Jays dealt him last year at the deadline and now, Toronto has shown interest in bringing him back. The Yankees have also discussed a reunion with him too.

Toronto could steal literally everyone that the Yankees are after right now and it would propel them to favorites in the division. They already have a little edge and completing this would finish it off. Ross Atkins, go all in, just like everyone expects you too.