As the 2026 MLB season inches closer, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a familiar spot: talented, competitive, and just a few key pieces away from making another deep postseason run. While much of the league’s attention is locked in on Tarik Skubal and the possibility of a blockbuster deal, Toronto’s front office would be wise to explore other, more strategic avenues to upgrade the roster. There’s no shortage of big names floating around the rumor mill, but sometimes it’s the mid-tier moves-the ones that slide under the radar-that end up making the biggest difference come October.
Let’s take a closer look at three trade candidates who could fit Toronto’s needs and elevate this roster without the splashy headlines: Yandy Díaz, Ryan Mountcastle, and Nico Hoerner.
Yandy Díaz: A Contact Hitter with Positional Flexibility
Yandy Díaz might not be the flashiest name on the market, but he checks a lot of boxes for what the Blue Jays need right now. Coming off another productive season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Díaz brings elite bat-to-ball skills and a disciplined approach at the plate. He’s the kind of hitter who grinds out at-bats, gets on base at a high clip, and rarely gives away an at-bat-qualities that become even more valuable in tight postseason games.
Offensively, Díaz would add a much-needed layer of consistency to a lineup that lost one of its most reliable bats when Bo Bichette departed in the offseason. Slotting him in as the primary designated hitter makes the most sense, but his ability to play both corner infield spots gives Toronto some lineup flexibility.
He could spell Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base on rest days or even take a few reps at third if needed. And let’s not overlook the power-Díaz has 25+ home run potential, which would slot in nicely behind Guerrero in the heart of the order.
In a division where every marginal gain matters, Díaz could be the kind of under-the-radar acquisition that pays big dividends.
Ryan Mountcastle: Familiar Foe, Potential Ally
Blue Jays fans know Ryan Mountcastle all too well. The Orioles slugger has made a habit of torching Toronto pitching over the years, especially at Rogers Centre, where he’s looked like a perennial All-Star. Now, with Baltimore reportedly open to moving him, the opportunity to bring that bat to the home dugout is worth exploring.
Mountcastle comes with some limitations-he’s a right-handed power bat on a team that could really use a lefty, and he’s limited defensively to first base and designated hitter. But power is power, and Mountcastle has plenty of it. His presence in the lineup would give Toronto another serious threat in the middle of the order, even if it means juggling DH responsibilities between him and Guerrero.
The fit isn’t perfect, but the upside is hard to ignore. Mountcastle’s ability to change a game with one swing makes him a compelling option, especially if the price is right and the Jays can manage the positional overlap.
Nico Hoerner: A Seamless Fit in the Middle Infield
If there’s one name on this list that feels tailor-made for Toronto’s current needs, it’s Nico Hoerner. With Chicago’s infield already stacked-thanks to the additions of Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson-Hoerner could be the odd man out. And for the Blue Jays, that’s an opportunity they can’t afford to ignore.
Defensively, Hoerner is a natural fit to replace Bichette at shortstop. He brings range, reliability, and a high baseball IQ to the position-traits that align perfectly with Toronto’s defensive identity. Pairing him with Andrés Giménez up the middle would give the Jays arguably the best defensive middle infield in baseball, a combination that could anchor the team through the grind of a 162-game season and into the playoffs.
Offensively, Hoerner isn’t going to lead the league in slugging, but he brings solid contact skills and speed on the basepaths. He’s the kind of player who fits into any lineup and makes the players around him better. Acquiring him might require parting with a valuable piece-someone like Anthony Santander has been floated as a potential trade chip-but the long-term gain could be worth the cost.
The Bigger Picture
The Blue Jays came within one out of winning the World Series last season. That’s not just a footnote-it’s a reminder of how close this team is to finishing the job. While a big-name pitcher like Skubal would certainly move the needle, Toronto’s front office doesn’t need to swing for the fences to make meaningful improvements.
Adding a versatile bat like Yandy Díaz, a proven slugger like Ryan Mountcastle, or a defensive anchor like Nico Hoerner wouldn’t just fill holes-they’d reinforce the team’s identity. Smart, balanced baseball.
Depth across the diamond. A lineup that can grind out runs and a defense that can shut things down late.
The AL East isn’t getting any easier. But if the Blue Jays can find the right pieces to complement their core, they’ll have every reason to believe that 2026 could be the year they finish what they started.