Grading the Blue Jays' 2025 Trade Deadline

Trade No. 2 - Shane Bieber

The final day of the trade deadline began with a surprising move that saw the Blue Jays trade for former Cy Young and Triple Crown winner Shane Bieber. Toronto was in the market for a starting pitcher, and many wouldn't have anticipated somebody coming off Tommy John Surgery.

Bieber has shown signs of his old self in his four rehab starts, posting a 1.59 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 21 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. While it's safe to say his return to the Majors is close, it's worth wondering if he'll be his old Cy Young self the rest of the way.

Another significant thought is whether the price for a veteran who will most likely hit free agency after this season is too much in the likes of Khal Stephen? Ranked as Toronto's number five prospect in the organization, Stephen was a big loss. His 9-1 record with a 2.06 ERA in 17 starts in Double-A New Hampshire is a promising sign for his bright future.

If Bieber can return to his Triple Crown form and even potentially exercise his 2026 player option, then this deal would be worth it. For now, Blue Jays fans hold their breath and see how this pans out.

Grade: B -

Trade No. 3 - Brandon Valenzuela

The San Diego Padres had one of the busiest trade deadline days when compared to the rest of the league. In total, the Padres let go of 13 prospects to fill multiple needs that they desperately needed.

Along the way, San Diego acquired Blue Jays infielder Will Wagner for their number 26 prospect, catcher Brandon Valenzuela. The Athletic's Mitch Bannon stated on Tuesday that Toronto was willing to trade position players who were with the big league club. Wagner was ultimately the one to go. But, with a bench that's currently deep with the likes of Joey Loperfido, Davis Schneider, and Nathan Lukes, there was flexibility to trade Wagner.

Valenzuela has hit 12 home runs and 46 RBIs with Double-A San Antonio and has seen time in Triple-A in 2024. The Blue Jays were in dire need of catching depth after Alejandro Kirk went on the seven-day injured list with a concussion. The newest catcher in the Blue Jays' farm system was ranked 28th in their Top 30 list.

The move cleared up a spot on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster, which was ultimately the path needed for Toronto's final trade of the day. In a move that won't move the needle for a playoff push, this is one that'll quietly go under the radar.

Grade: C+