The Blue Jays’ path at the trade deadline starts with a simple question: can they patch the back end of the rotation?
Toronto is still in the postseason mix at 42-48, sitting 3.0 games out in the AL Wild Card race, so the next month will go a long way toward deciding whether this team turns into a buyer by the August 3 deadline. If that happens, the clearest place to upgrade is the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson pointed to that exact opening, writing, "Blue Jays: Their No. 5 starter," and adding, "The No. 5 spot is where the opportunity lies in this rotation, which has been plagued by injuries and is without Jose Berrios and Cody Ponce for the rest of the season."
Toronto can feel good about the top of the staff with Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Dylan Cease, and even Shane Bieber available in the mix. But the fifth spot is a different story. Patrick Corbin has moved back to the bullpen, Max Scherzer is on the injured list, and both Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios are out for the year.
That leaves the Blue Jays with a very clear need if they decide to add at the deadline. They do not have to chase a headline-grabbing ace to make a difference. A steady arm would be enough to help stabilize the rotation.
Names like Freddy Peralta and Robbie Ray were floated as examples of the kind of starter that could fit, along with other under-the-radar pitchers on teams that are selling. Toronto’s best move here would be to find a reliable option, not swing for the most expensive prize on the market.
For now, the Scherzer situation helps define the problem. If the Blue Jays are in position to buy, fixing that No. 5 starter spot looks like the cleanest upgrade on the board.
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