Blue Jays-Mets trade pitch sends $15M Cy Young finalist to Toronto to supercharge World Series hopes

The Toronto Blue Jays are still trying to figure things out this season, as things have not gone according to plan. Toronto is working to get its rotation back on track after multiple pitchers have dealt with injuries.

The Blue Jays are close to getting some major reinforcements back. The injuries to the starting rotation have been costly, but help is on the way.

“The Blue Jays are getting dangerously close to a run of ‘good news’ on the pitching front. In 2026, that still feels so unfamiliar. It was Max Scherzer’s turn in the Buffalo Bisons’ rotation Friday night, the middle man in a string of rehab starts that featured Dylan Cease on Thursday and ends with another Cy Young winner in Shane Bieber on Saturday,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson wrote.

The Blue Jays are still looking to add a major arm this summer, with Tarik Skubal already being linked to Toronto.

“Now that it’s becoming inevitable that the free-falling Detroit Tigers may have no choice but to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the deadline, rival executives believe the bidding will come down to four finalists that not only can afford the remainder of his $32 million contract, but will also be willing to give up prized prospects: The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

However, if a deal for Skubal does not work out, Toronto could pivot to other options. SI’s Patrick McAvoy believes they could instead target Freddy Peralta.

“The Mets have had a dumpster fire of a season so far. They are another team that needs a serious turnaround. The Mets are 29-37 on the season so far. If the Mets don't make a significant change, they will be in danger of selling,” McAvoy wrote.

Peralta is another arm the Blue Jays could target to strengthen their rotation. A former Cy Young finalist, he would give Toronto another high-end option in a potential playoff push.

Peralta is on a $15 million contract that expires at the end of the season, making him an attractive rental option for Toronto. The Blue Jays could bring him in without a long-term commitment, giving them flexibility while bolstering their rotation for a postseason push.

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