Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto linked to former All-Star as trade target to save rotation

It's no secret that the Toronto Blue Jays need to stablize their rotation at the MLB Trade Deadline and there are multiple reports of who they may bring in. David Schoenfield of ESPN suggested that the Blue Jays bring in Seth Lugo from the Royals to help push towards the playoffs and help them out down the road as Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer will all become free agents after the season.

Lugo has a year and a half left on his deal and will be owed $15 million in 2026. The Royals don't consider themselves out of the race just yet as they have shown interest in buying this deadline. Nonetheless, it may help their future to move on from Lugo at the deadline, making for the perfect opportunity for Toronto.

ESPN suggests the Blue Jays to acquire former All-Star Seth Lugo at the MLB Trade Deadline.

The Royals were a playoff team last season and their offense took an unexpectedly poor drop. What they are likely looking for is offensive prospects close to the major leagues and Toronto has just what they need without depleting the farm system. Orelvis Martinez does not have a long term plan in Toronto, given the emergence of Ernie Clement at third base and the acquisition of Andres Gimenez last offseason.

A simple one for one could probably get this done, especially since Martinez is the third ranked prospect in Toronto according to MLB Pipeline. So the question now is, would Lugo really be worth a top three prospect in the organization? Quick answer. Yes.

Lugo made his first All-Star game in 2024 and finished second in the Cy Young voting. He has come back this season with another great first half and just missed the All-Star selection again. Through 95 innings, Lugo has generated a 2.65 ERA with a 4.16 FIP and a 7.86 K/9.

He has made his identity of a pitch to contact pitcher and it has worked, especially in this later part of his career. At 35 years old, Lugo is getting better with age and the Blue Jays must take advantage.

This opportunity is perfect for Toronto to pounce and Ross Atkins could really revive this rotation with this acquisition. If Atkins can finesse this trade without Martinez, then that would be amazing, but it still wouldn't be the end of the world if he is involved. Hopefully Lugo can be the piece to propel the Blue Jays back to the postseason.