Why this Blue Jays trade deadline acquisition needs to step up this season

Jake Bloss may not have been the biggest name moved at last year's deadline, but he's a big piece of the Blue Jays' pitching plans this season.

Toronto Blue Jays No. 3 prospect Jake Bloss, pitching in the Oakland Coliseum.
Toronto Blue Jays No. 3 prospect Jake Bloss, pitching in the Oakland Coliseum. | Michael Zagaris/GettyImages

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2024 trade deadline with a clear mission: bolster their underwhelming farm system to build up for a necessary re-tool for 2025. The Blue Jays, who sat at 51-57 on the day of the trade deadline, ended up selling off all their rental players, one of whom was Yusei Kikuchi, who was traded to the Astros. The return for Kikuchi included Jake Bloss, an under-the-radar arm who could prove to be an impact pitcher both now and in the future. As the 2025 season approaches, Bloss has the opportunity to make an impact that validates the front office’s faith in his potential.

A Promising but Unproven Talent

Bloss is by no means a household name. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Bloss had never topped any prospect lists or generated any buzz as a future ace prior to being traded. However, his impressive performance in the minors with Houston hinted at untapped potential. With a fastball sitting in the mid-90s and a rapidly developing slider, Bloss showed flashes of being a legitimate big league arm.

Now, he's in a Toronto’s organization that's known for finding ways to help pitchers maximize their strengths. The Blue Jays’ development staff have proven adept at helping pitchers refine their mechanics and pitch mix — a process Bloss has already benefited from. His appearances with Triple-A Buffalo after the trade showcased an uptick in strikeouts and improved command, both of which are positive signs for his future.

Why Bloss’ Success Matters

While the Blue Jays’ starting rotation is headlined by established stars like Kevin Gausman and José Berríos, depth is always a concern over the course of a 162-game season. Injuries, slumps, and unforeseen circumstances can quickly deplete even the most robust pitching staffs. That’s where Bloss comes in.

Not only are the Blue Jays hoping for Bloss to contribute this year, they're also hoping he can develop into a key part of their pitching staff for years to come. His mix of velocity, command, and strong secondary pitches suggests he has the tools to eventually carve out a stable role in the rotation.

A Make-or-Break Opportunity

Spring training will be pivotal for Bloss. While he’s likely to start the season in Triple-A, a strong showing in March could make it difficult for the Blue Jays to keep him off the Opening Day roster. He’ll need to prove he can consistently get major league hitters out, especially as he faces tougher lineups compared to those in the minors. He allowed nine earned runs in 11 2/3 MLB innings last year with Houston before being traded.

Bloss’ development isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about composure and adaptability. The mental side of pitching — trusting his stuff, staying poised in high-leverage situations, and executing game plans — will be just as critical as having a good fastball or slider.

The Bigger Picture

Any investment in a young arm like Bloss is about more than immediate returns. It’s a reflection of a broader organizational philosophy: balancing star power with a pipeline of affordable, controllable talent. If Bloss can rise to the occasion, he’ll not only fill a key role in 2025 but also reinforce the Blue Jays’ long-term competitiveness.

In a stacked division like the AL East, every marginal gain matters. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles aren’t going anywhere, and Toronto can’t afford to fall behind. Bloss may not have been the biggest name acquired at last year’s trade deadline, but his potential to exceed expectations could end up making him one of the most important.

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