The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t wasting any time this offseason. After locking in Shane Bieber for the 2026 season via his option year, they doubled down on rotation upgrades by landing Dylan Cease with a reported seven-year deal north of $200 million. That’s a major swing - and a clear signal that Toronto’s front office isn’t content with just standing pat.
But if history is any indication, the Blue Jays aren’t done. This is a front office that doesn’t mind getting creative in the trade market, and they’ve made a habit of using the offseason to address roster gaps and improve efficiency across the board. So while the free agent rumor mill continues to link them to stars like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, don’t be surprised if GM Ross Atkins starts working the phones on the trade front.
Three potential trade targets stand out - and they’re all worth a serious look.
1. Kris Bubic, LHP - Kansas City Royals
Kris Bubic might not be the first name that jumps off the page, but he’s a sneaky good fit for Toronto. The 26-year-old lefty posted a 2.55 ERA over 20 starts in 2025, racking up 116 strikeouts in 116.1 innings before a left rotator cuff strain shut him down in July. That injury is something to watch, but if he’s healthy, Bubic brings exactly what the Blue Jays currently lack: a left-handed starter with upside.
Right now, the Jays’ rotation is heavily right-handed. Eric Lauer is technically a lefty option, but he’s more of a swingman - slotted in as the sixth starter or long reliever. If Bubic is brought in, he’d likely slot in as the fifth starter, unless the team decides to part ways with José Berríos, which has been floated as a possibility this winter.
The Royals are reportedly open to dealing from their rotation depth, and they’re looking for outfield help in return. That could make for a natural match.
Toronto has outfielders to spare in their system, including Joey Loperfido - a name that’s been mentioned as a top trade chip. If the Jays are open to moving one of their young outfielders, Bubic could be a real target.
2. MacKenzie Gore, LHP - Washington Nationals
If the Blue Jays want to aim higher, MacKenzie Gore is one of the most intriguing arms potentially available this winter. The 26-year-old southpaw is entering his second year of arbitration and still has two years of team control before hitting free agency after the 2027 season.
Gore’s upside is no secret. He’s been touted as one of the most talented young lefties in the game, and 2025 only reinforced that with stretches of electric stuff - including a 12-strikeout performance in just five innings back in March.
He’s not just a short-term rental either. If Toronto acquired him and liked what they saw, they’d have the option to extend him.
The Nationals, now under the direction of new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, are reportedly open to dealing Gore in order to reload their farm system. That’s where things get tricky for Toronto.
They already emptied a chunk of their prospect cupboard at the trade deadline, and it’s unclear how aggressive they’ll be in moving more top-tier talent. But a rotation pairing of Gore and Chase Yesavage could give the Jays a dynamic left-right combo for years to come.
Again, a move like this might mean parting ways with Berríos - or at least reshuffling the rotation - but the potential return could be worth the cost.
3. Brendan Donovan, INF - St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have already started reshaping their roster, having sent Sonny Gray to Boston, and there are rumblings that Nolan Arenado could be next. But if you’re looking for a versatile, high-upside infielder who could make an immediate impact in Toronto, Brendan Donovan should be high on the list.
Donovan made his first All-Star appearance in 2025, slashing .775 OPS with 10 home runs and 50 RBI. But the real value lies in his versatility and platoon potential.
Against right-handed pitching last season, Donovan hit .315/.383/.471 with an .854 OPS and eight of his ten homers. Pair that with Ernie Clement’s .900 OPS against lefties, and the Blue Jays could have a highly effective infield platoon on their hands.
Both Donovan and Clement can move around the diamond, and Donovan has logged over 1,400 innings in the outfield during his MLB career. That kind of flexibility would give manager John Schneider plenty of lineup options, especially with players like Addison Barger also in the mix.
Of course, the Blue Jays’ top priority remains re-signing Bo Bichette. If they get that deal done, they’ll still have to figure out how to deploy Bo, Andés Giménez, and the rest of the infield crew. But if Bichette doesn’t return, Donovan becomes a very strong Plan B - and one that wouldn’t necessarily require a long-term commitment beyond two years of club control.
Final Thoughts
Toronto’s already made a splash with Cease and Bieber, but this roster still has room for improvement - especially in the rotation and infield depth. Whether it’s Bubic, Gore, or Donovan, each of these players fills a specific need and comes with a different price tag, both in terms of prospects and payroll.
The Blue Jays have shown they’re not afraid to be bold. If they want to keep pace in a competitive AL East and make a serious postseason push in 2026, one of these trades - or something similar - could be the next big move.