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Blue Jays should be targeting these 3 upcoming All-Stars at the trade deadline

The Blue Jays should strongly consider targeting these three All-Stars as they look to get their season back on track.
ByMichael DeRosa|
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Jun 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) follows through on a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) follows through on a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is only one month away. The Toronto Blue Jays certainly have a big decision to make when it comes to how they will approach it.

After losing seven out of their last nine games, the Blue Jays currently have a 41-46 record. While they have a very underwhelming record, they also only trail the Seattle Mariners by three games for the final wild card spot in the American League. The same team they are gearing up to play in a massive three game set beginning on Friday (Jul. 3).

Due to this and the Blue Jays having high expectations, it is still possible that they will be buyers at the deadline. If the Blue Jays do end up being buyers, the main area that they should be looking to improve is their pitching.

In a recent article for USA Today, Bob Nightengale discussed several potential All-Stars who could be traded ahead of the deadline. Three pitchers from that list whom the Blue Jays should strongly consider targeting are Tarik Skubal, Aroldis Chapman, and Sonny Gray.

Landing any of these three pitchers would be huge for a Blue Jays team that is looking to be true contenders this season. Perhaps landing at least one of them could be what helps the Blue Jays get their season back on track.

Why the Blue Jays should target Skubal, Gray & Chapman

Out of these three pitchers, Skubal would be the biggest prize. The back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner would give the Blue Jays' rotation a much-needed superstar as they aim to climb up the standings.

While there is a chance that the pending UFA Skubal would be just a rental for the Blue Jays, he is still worth some serious consideration. Landing him would be game-changing for the Blue Jays, and it will be interesting to see if they pursue him because of it. In 11 games this season with the Detroit Tigers, he has a 4-4 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 75 strikeouts.

Although Gray would not be the same kind of superstar addition as Skubal, he would still be a strong pickup for Toronto's rotation. The 36-year-old righty has been excellent for the Boston Red Sox this season and would be a great addition to the Blue Jays' roster.

In 15 games so far this season with the Red Sox, Gray has a 9-1 record, a 2.69 ERA, and 75 strikeouts. He has been one of the rare bright spots for Boston this season, so he could be worth taking a flier on.

As for Chapman, the Blue Jays would be bringing in a star closer to their roster. It is clear that Toronto's bullpen could use a boost, and Chapman would provide the Blue Jays with just that if acquired.

In 26 games so far this season with Boston, Chapman has a 2.19 ERA, 16 save, and 32 strikeouts. This was after he had a 1.17 ERA, 32 saves, and 85 strikeouts for the Red Sox in 2025. With numbers like these, the eight-time All-Star would be an excellent player for Toronto to add.

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