Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox series predictions: 3 key players to watch,

The Toronto Blue Jays masterfully took the final game against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday 6-0 to seal off the series victory. But it didn’t come without some concern as star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had to leave the game due to a right forearm contusion resulting from a hit-by-pitch. Fortunately, x-rays came back negative with respect to any potential fracture.

As the Blue Jays now head to Boston for a weekend series against the Red Sox, the matchup should draw interest on multiple fronts. With a series victory or potential sweep of their division rivals, Toronto could ultimately seal Boston’s fate in contending for the playoffs down the stretch. In doing so, it would make the Red Sox an ideal trade partner as they have some valuable pieces that the Jays could use to bolster their roster for the stretch run.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some key players from both sides in this much anticipated matchup.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox June 27-29 series predictions: 3 key players to watch

Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox

Despite his age, at 37-years-old, Aroldis Chapman has apparently found the fountain of youth as the Red Sox reliever has had a spectacular 2025 campaign. After appearing to lose a step during the past few seasons, Chapman has surprised everyone with a 3-2 record and 14 saves, along with a stellar 1.36 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, with 48 strikeouts in just 33 innings pitched over 36 appearances.

With the lefty heading to free agency upon the conclusion of this season, he could be one of the hottest bullpen commodities when the trade deadline rolls around. Chapman would also be the perfect addition to solidify the Jays relief corps to elevate them into legitimate contending status. Before that happens though, Chapman will likely be relied upon in this series for Boston in any game they are leading late.

Lucas Giolito, Boston Red Sox

After missing the entire 2024 MLB season due to a UCL injury in his right elbow, Lucas Giolito was expected to be a key member of the Red Sox rotation this year. Following a rough start to the season, Giolito has settled down recently to provide some valuable innings for Boston. His past three outings have been quality starts, holding the opposition to two earned runs or fewer while registering a 10-strikeout game against the Seattle Mariners on June 16.

As Giolito slowly regains his prior form seen back when he was with the Chicago White Sox, he could be an ideal solution to the Jays’ back end of the rotation along with being solid starting pitching depth in their pursuit of the playoffs. Giolito is expected to get the start on Saturday for Boston against Toronto.

Andrès Giménez, Toronto Blue Jays

Andrés Giménez had a promising hot start to the 2025 MLB season with his new club when he burst out of the gate as the Jays’ main offensive leader through the first week of play. However, things have been a lot different, as Giménez has struggled to find his groove ever since. On the year, the 26-year-old second baseman has batted just .189 with a .561 OPS, along with 22 runs scored, four home runs and 14 RBis in 54 games of action.

His speed is still evident, as he has gone 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts. But with Addison Barger and Ernie Clement becoming players of relevance in recent weeks, the Jays could likely afford to use Giménez as a trade chip at the deadline to land a key piece for their roster. With the Red Sox in need of help at second base, the Jays would be their perfect match in getting a deal done.