Blue Jays most likely to trade 2.41 ERA lefty thanks to two untouchable prospects

Mar 3, 2026; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) looks on against Team Canada at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

While the Toronto Blue Jays might not be having the kind of season they envisioned coming off a close World Series bid last season, they're still very much in contention this season.

To become a more legitimate contender, however, this team clearly needs to add some help to the roster. A new shortstop, outfield help, another reliever, or maybe even a starting pitcher are all atop the team's list of priorities.

But what could they give up in a trade this summer? As Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter highlighted, left-handed pitching prospect Johnny King is the most likely trade chip for the Blue Jays, thanks to two infield prospects as untouchables this summer.

Blue Jays' Johnny King is most likely prospect trade chip

"Lefty Johnny King has frontline potential if everything clicks," Reuter writes. "... With infielders Arjun Nimmala and JoJo Parker untouchable, he is the most likely centerpiece in a blockbuster deal."

The Blue Jays need to add more help to their team by the August 3 trade deadline, and of their prospects who could be on the move, King, a good prospect in his own right, is the most likely one dealt this summer.

With Nimmala and Parker being "untouchable," King is the next most valuable prospect in the Blue Jays' farm system.

King, the 19-year-old left-hander and 2024 third-round pick, would be a very valuable trade chip for the Blue Jays.

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He should be able to headline a package for just about any player expected to be available this summer by the trade deadline.

He has a 2.41 ERA this season at High-A in 14 starts across 52.1 innings, which is an improvement from his 2.48 ERA in 18 games and 15 starts during his debut season in the Toronto farm system.

King is a great prospect, and while the Blue Jays might want to keep him in an ideal world, if their two top infield prospects are untouchable, King makes the most sense as a premier trade chip to land an impact player this summer.

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