Blue Jays trade rumors tracker: Latest news, updates, completed deals involving Toronto ahead of MLB deadline
The 2023 MLB trade deadline is upon us and like any team battling for the playoffs, the Blue Jays are looking to strengthen their roster for an October push.
Toronto is in the midst of another strong season and is currently in the hunt for an AL wildcard spot but also in contention for the AL East title.
The Blue Jays don’t have many weaknesses in their roster. The offensive was a bit weak, but is still one of the best in the league. Toronto have a solid top-half starting lineup in Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios, and the bullpen has been outstanding all season.
Still, there are always ways to improve the roster, and GM Ross Atkins plans to explore all options by deadline day.
“We have to improve this team in every way we can,” Atkins said before the deadline.
MORE: Latest updates on Jordan Romano’s injury status
The Sporting News will follow all of the latest rumors and moves surrounding the Blue Jays ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
When is the 2023 MLB trade deadline?
- Date: Tuesday, August 1st
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
Teams have until Tuesday, August 1 at 6pm ET to complete a trade. Both clubs must submit paperwork to the league office before that date in order to finalize deals.
The new collective agreement that ended the spring 2022 workout lockout gives the commissioner the power to set the trade deadline “to any day between July 28 and August 3” each year, and MLB has opted for the far end of that range this year.
MLB trade deadline 2023: Follow the latest Blue Jays news and rumors
Monday 24th July
Blue Jays could suit White Sox SS Tim Anderson
Jon Morosi went to MLB Network to discuss the possibility of a White Sox swap deal with Tim Anderson. One of the teams he named as a potential contender was the Blue Jays.
Anderson is in the middle of a disappointing season, but he’s bounced back since the All-Star hiatus. With Bo Bichette setting the shortstop position, Anderson would be fit at second base for Toronto, a position he recently played for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Given Whit Merrifield’s versatility, there would be an opportunity to use all three, Bichette, Anderson and Merrifield in a Blue Jays lineup.
While not a must, Anderson would give the Blue Jays a right-handed slugger, something Atkins could be looking for at deadline. Anderson has been a sensational hitter for most of his career, and Toronto could turn over for the two-time All-Star in the second half.
Friday 21st July
Blue Jays trade for Cardinals LHP Genesis Cabrera
Toronto’s first pre-close takeover came about a week and a half before the deadline when the Blue Jays acquired left-handed reliever Genesis Cabrera from the Cardinals. In return, St. Louis received up-and-coming talent Sammy Hernandez.
Cabrera was recently drafted by the Cardinals after losing his place on the roster. In 32 innings, the 26-year-old had a 5.06 ERA and 18 walks.
The move gives John Schneider another option as a left-hander from the bullpen to relieve some of the pressure on Tim Mayza, who is currently the only southpaw in Toronto’s back end.