A new trade pitch has the Blue Jays landing Elly De La Cruz from the Reds. The price would be José Berrios, Davis Schneider and a first-round pick.

On paper, it attacks Toronto's biggest problem. The Jays finished 30th in home runs and 27th in stolen bases, per Bleacher Report.

A dynamic young star would change how this lineup moves overnight. That's the dream, anyway.

Now look at what Cincinnati gets. Berrios is owed $48 million over the next two seasons.

He's also recovering from Tommy John surgery he had on May 20. The 12-to-18-month timeline puts his return late in 2027 at the earliest.

Schneider comes with his own red flags. He collected just 18 hits in 156 plate appearances in 2026.

Terry Francona's Reds would want far more than this

So why would the Reds say yes? It's hard to find a reason.

They'd be taking on an injured pitcher's full salary, a bat coming off a lost season and a draft pick whose value depends on where Toronto finishes next year.

This isn't a trade proposal so much as a wish list. Any real deal for a player of De La Cruz's profile would have to start with Toronto's best prospects, not its worst contract.

What would that look like? Names like JoJo Parker, the club's top position-player prospect, or Prospect of the Year arm Nolan Perry would likely have to enter the conversation.

Toronto would also have to sort out where he plays. Andrés Giménez is locked in at shortstop through at least 2029, and second base is already a crowded debate.

Schneider's 10-plus homers in both 2024 and 2025 might appeal to a team looking for a cheap right-handed bat. But that's a throw-in, not a headliner.

Offering a rehabbing pitcher's contract for a young star is like trading a car with a blown engine for a brand-new sports car. The other dealer laughs you off the lot.

Ross Atkins should absolutely chase a star bat this winter. If De La Cruz ever does become available, the real price will make this proposal look like a coupon.