Blue Jays primed as a trade partner for NL West club in need of outfield help

The Toronto Blue Jays are in that territory where they have too many outfielders for the number of roster spots available. Daulton Varsho, George Springer, Nathan Lukes, Anthony Santander, Davis Schneider and Myles Straw currently make up the big league outfield compliment. While Addison Barger could also slot in one of the corners as well.

Meantime, on the cusp of the big league roster they have Joey Loperfido and Jonatan Clase who both played in MLB in 2025, along with Yohendrick Pinango, RJ Schreck and Jace Bohrofen who could be pushing for their big league debuts with a strong showing in Spring Training. One team who doesn't have this abundance of outfielders, but would like to add some are the San Francisco Giants, and it isn't out of the question that the Giants and Blue Jays could make a deal this winter.

Blue Jays primed as a trade partner for NL West club in need of outfield help

The Giants were recently named by MLB.com as one of the contending teams who has a huge need to fill. They are currently projected to have the fifth lowest fWAR in right field, and for a team that has playoff aspirations, that is one area that should be a relatively easy upgrade considering the options available to them on the free agent market on via trade.

Drew Gilbert is slotted in as the every day right fielder, projected for a 0.5 fWAR and right behind him is Luis Matos, projected for a 0.6 fWAR, but getting 100-less at-bats at that position. The Blue Jays right field depth chart is listed with Santander getting the most at-bats and producing a 0.7 fWAR from that position, followed by Springer (1.0 fWAR) and Barger (0.4 fWAR).

On MLB.com Mike Petriello says, "Kyle Tucker is the obvious fit here (for the Giants), but if trading for Rafael Devers last summer counted as their big-ticket addition, then they may have to set their sights lower. If that applies to Bellinger also, then the best option may be via trade, where it’s at least been rumored that they’d be open to dealing first base prospect Bryce Eldridge if the right fit comes up."

The Blue Jays probably wouldn't be in these conversations for a first base prospect but they also likely aren't chomping at the bit to get rid of one of those top three right fielders, unless they are blown away with a trade for Santander that rids them of his contract. On the surface a Devers for Santander swap straight up probably makes some sense. However, Manager John Schneider spoke at the Winter Meetings and says that he and the rest of the club can't wait to see what Santander can bring to the team in a fully healthy season.

That means it will likely be someone like Lukes (projected 1.6 total fWAR) or one of the younger players, Loperfido and Clase (both projected for a fWAR of 0.0) that are the most expendable from a Blue Jays stand point. In return the Blue Jays could target an infielder along the likes of Christian Koss. Tyler Fitzgerald or Casey Schmitt. All three played at least 74 games last season with the Giants, and while non of them can be considered a replacement for Bo Bichette, they would give the Blue Jays some extra depth in case Bo doesn't return.

The Blue Jays are probably not in a hurry to deal from their surplus until they absolutely feel like they have to, but they could be inclined to make a move if they feel strongly about a player in the Giant's system, before the Giants go anywhere else to address their need. And with the Blue Jays still targeting Kyle Tucker, it may only be a matter of time before their outfield depth grows.