Blue Jays should jump at the chance to make this rumour a reality after latest DFA

It has been a frustrating start to the 2026 season for the Toronto Blue Jays. They currently sport an 18-22 record at this stage in the campaign and are fourth in the American League East standings. They have also been having trouble heating back up, losing six out of their last 10 games.

The main reason behind the Blue Jays' shaky start to the campaign has been their serious injury trouble. There is no question that they have been dealt a bad hand early on, but the clock is also ticking for them to try to save their season. Sensing that urgency, Eric Lauer has been DFA'd and in his place, the Blue Jays have called up Yariel Rodriguez.

On Sunday, Lauer entered the game in the fifth inning with the Blue Jays ahead 1-0, but allowed a two-run home run while giving up four earned runs in the inning. Toronto lost 6-1 with Lauer responsible for all those runs. It's the latest outing in which Lauer wasn't able to get the job done and it became so much of an issue that the Blue Jays have started looking elsewhere to fill their number five starters spot. While the team has a couple of internal options, there's potentially a much better option outside the organization.

It would not be surprising in the slightest if the Blue Jays looked to make a big splash by bringing in outside help, especially since they are now being connected to one of baseball's top trade candidates. In a recent article for FanSided, Christopher Kline named the Blue Jays as one of the top potential landing spots for New York Mets star ace Freddy Peralta.

The Blue Jays need to make a big move for Peralta to get their season back on track

With the Mets being at the bottom of the National League East standings at 15-25, trade rumors surrounding Peralta have been picking up. If the Mets do not climb up the standings soon, they may end up needing to shop Peralta, who is a pending free agent.

If the Mets end up making Peralta available, it would make a ton of sense for the Blue Jays to target him. It is no secret that their pitching rotation could use a real boost, and bringing in a star pitcher like Peralta would provide them with just that.

Peralta has a 2-3 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 43 strikeouts in eight appearances so far this season with the Mets. This comes after he had a monster year for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, posting a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts in 33 games. With this, he would significantly strengthen Toronto's rotation if successfully brought in.

With how this campaign has been going for the Blue Jays, they should not be afraid to pull the trigger on a Peralta trade. He is exactly the kind of starter the Blue Jays could use in the front half of their rotation right now.

While a trade for Peralta would certainly cost the Blue Jays a significant amount, the two-time All-Star would be worth the price. This is especially so if the Blue Jays are able to lock up the 6-foot righty to a contract extension. Nevertheless, it will be very interesting to see if the Blue Jays can swing a deal for Peralta from here.

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