Ranking GM Ross Atkins’ Best Trades as Blue Jays GM

With the days getting shorter and the MLB offseason beginning to gain momentum, general managers across the league are preparing their best offers as the annual Winter Meetings loom large.

Throughout the years, the Winter Meetings have allowed executives to come together, discuss trades, and arrange signings with players. Often considered the unofficial “beginning of the offseason,” the event has produced some of the biggest blockbusters in MLB history — and some of its most infamous flops.

One of the more active teams heading into this year’s Meetings are the Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a true spectacle of a World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Toronto have made the largest splash of the offseason so far, signing All-Star starter Dylan Cease on a seven-year contract worth over $200 million, signaling that elite talent is once again putting Canada’s team on their radar.

As Blue Jays fans try to manifest a bountiful offseason, let’s revisit five of Ross Atkins’ best trades as Toronto’s GM , and what to expect as the stove heats up.

Ranking GM Ross Atkins’ Best Trades as Blue Jays GM

5. Shane Bieber from CLE for Khal Stephen

This selection is partly a projection, because Bieber’s ceiling in Toronto remains extremely high if he resembles his past performance. Still relatively young, he arrived at the 2025 trade deadline with an already accomplished career in Cleveland. Following a short rehab stint, Bieber jumped right into the Blue Jays rotation and helped them immensely on their World Series run.

Bieber could deliver several more elite seasons at the Major League level, and the price was shockingly modest: No. 5 ranked prospect Khal Stephen, a 22-year-old RHP from Mississippi State. Stephen has promise, but acquiring a former Cy Young winner for a single player is the type of trade front offices dream about.

He’ll play a vital role in the Blue Jays’ hopes of repeating as AL champions in 2026, pitching alongside Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease. After that season, he’ll enter the open market following his first full campaign as a Blue Jay.

4. Daulton Varsho from ARI for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno

This 2022 move remains one of Atkins’ most underrated trades, and one that has genuinely benefitted both teams. Since arriving in Toronto, Varsho has assumed his role an elite defender in center field, earning a Gold Glove in 2024.

He has faced offensive inconsistency since joining the Blue Jays, especially following a disappointing World Series at the plate. Defensively, however, he’s one of the most valuable outfielders in baseball, something free-agent pitchers considering Toronto will take note of.

Arizona’s return has been strong, but neither Gurriel nor Moreno has matched Varsho’s overall value. Still under 30 and with another year of team control after 2025, Varsho remains a crucial part of Toronto’s push toward the promised land. Though he displays elite power, he should put in some extra work with hitting coach David Popkins this offseason to help raise his contact ability at the plate.

3. Matt Chapman from OAK for Gunnar Hoglund, Kevin Smith, Zach Logue, and Kirby Snead

While his offensive production remains debated among Blue Jays fans, the trade for the Platinum Glove–winning third baseman was an undeniable steal in terms of value gained. Chapman accumulated 8 WAR in just two seasons in Toronto and remained the best defender at his position, taking home a Gold Glove in 2023.

Chapman put up a 122 OPS+ during his prime years in Toronto before signing a multi-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in 2023. His overall legacy may be confusing at times (streaky bat, elite glove) but when compared to what Oakland received, it was an extremely valuable move.

2. Teoscar Hernández from HOU for Francisco Liriano

Teoscar was simply too good for too long in Toronto to leave off this list. Across six seasons, the All-Star outfielder injected middle-of-the-order pop, posting a 121 wRC+ during his tenure with the Blue Jays. His 2021 campaign stands as one of the best of the era: 33 homers, 116 RBI, and flirting with a .300 average.

During a period when the Blue Jays possessed one of baseball’s most feared lineups, Hernández stood out alongside hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Marcus Semien. A fan favourite to this day, he eventually earned his ring, helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 2025. Not much can be said for him defensively, but what Teoscar did at the plate and the impression he left on the city makes this the second best trade in Atkins' career.

1. Jose Berríos from MIN for Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson

Atkins continues to look like a genius with this one. Since this lopsided 2021 trade, Berríos has been a constant presence atop the Blue Jays’ rotation and ranking second in MLB in starts over that span. Up until his season ending injury in 2025, Berrios showed up every fifth day and for the most part he has delivered.

Meanwhile, Martin and Woods Richardson have yet to produce anything close to Berríos’ output, and years later the winner of this deal is obvious. Any GM would be thrilled to acquire a pitcher like Berrios, especially at that price. Toronto fans will be hoping to see him return to form in 2026.