5 trade deadline deals that could push Blue Jays back into contention for 2024

Jays need to upgrade the outfield with Luis Robert Jr.

Talk about making a big splash ahead of the trade deadline. If the Blue Jays intend to significantly change the club’s fortunes in their strive for a playoff spot, it should begin with outfielder Luis Robert Jr. As far-fetched as it may seem, the Jays apparently have an outside shot as MLB insider Jon Heyman suggested that the Jays were one of the best landing spots for Robert. Perhaps the best outfield option currently available, he would be a huge difference maker for any contender that he ends up joining.

After all, the former All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner has proven time and time again that he can get things done on both sides of the field. Robert was coming off his best season of his career in 2023 in which he hit .264 with an .857 OPS, along with 90 runs scored, 36 doubles, 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases over 145 games played. This year, his ongoing journey to stardom was derailed a bit when he missed almost two months due to a right hip flexor strain. Nevertheless, Robert has still managed to put up 22 runs scored, 8 doubles, 10 home runs and 19 RBI in 38 games of action when healthy.

Considering Robert will be a hot commodity come the trade deadline, it will likely require a few top prospects from the Jays’ organization to get any deal done. But to be able to inject a legitimate power bat with elite speed into the lineup, along with essentially replacing the struggling Kevin Kiermaier in center field with more than adequate defense, it should all be worth it for the game-changing player.