Former MLB GM confirms Toronto Blue Jays top trade deadline target
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A former MLB executive believes the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks could be ideal trade partners, given his list of potential targets.
Toronto's offense, quiet for much of the season, has recently shown signs of life-helping propel the team to a record well above .500.
Ex-MLB GM reveals surprise Blue Jays trade deadline target.
Kenneth Teape from Toronto Blue On Si writes that the Blue Jays are within striking distance of the New York Yankees in the AL East and currently hold one of the league's three Wild Card spots. But if they hope to stay in the playoff race and seriously content for the division crown, key upgrades will be necessary before the trade deadline.
While there are several gaps in the Blue Jays' lineup, Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the most pressing concern lies on the mound, particularly in the starting rotation.
"With a front office looking to be aggressive, the time to strike on a deal is now for the Blue Jays. Bowden has listed Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly as his favorite trade target for the team ahead of the deadline." -Teape
Here's what the former MLB executive had to say about trading for a player like
Kelly...
«He will be a free agent after this season, so it would be a rental for the Blue Jays. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, they could acquire a couple of mid-level prospects in exchange and then in the offseason look to re-sign Kelly, who prefers to finish his career with Arizona." -Bowden
He's been a reliable contributor over the past three seasons and has continued to perform at high levels in 2025.
"He is on pace to surpass the 30-start plateau for the third time in four seasons, providing the team with the kind of durability it has lacked beyond its top three starters." -Teape
As a rental, acquiring him likely wouldn't require a hefty return, allowing the team to keep its top prospects for a potential intact for a potential blockbuster move in the offseason.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
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JUIN 17 | 1064 ANSWERS Former MLB GM confirms Toronto Blue Jays top trade deadline target Should the players trade for pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks? |
yes | 668 | 62.8 % |
no | 396 | 37.2 % |
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