MLB writer makes bold declaration about Blue Jays' trade deadline mindset

Even the most optimistic of Toronto Blue Jays fans may not have been able to see these past two months coming. 

Expected to be a middle-of-the-pack American League team in spring training, the Blue Jays appeared set to fulfill that prediction when they stumbled to a 26-28 record through May 27. Yet after claiming a critical rubber match contest against the Texas Rangers on May 28, the Blue Jays took off, going 37-15 over their next 52 games and vaulting to the top of the American League East. This incredible run has been the result of a pesky offense that leads the major league in batting average and fewest strikeouts as well as the veteran starting pitcher trio of Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, and José Berrios, each of whom has posted an ERA below four without missing a turn in the rotation. 

Adding on to the good news for the Blue Jays is that their surge has coincided with the struggles of other potential American League contenders. The New York Yankees have posted one of the worst records in baseball since the beginning of June, the Houston Astros have been decimated by injuries and the Detroit Tigers suddenly look vulnerable after two separate six-game losing streaks in July. More than any year in recent memory, the American League looks wide open, and it’s hard to argue with the Blue Jays among the favorites given their recent play. 

Despite having the best record in the American League, the Blue Jays still have work to do at the trade deadline. This current core has been defined by postseason failure, as they have been swept in the Wild Card series in each of their three postseason appearances. Another early postseason exit, particularly in a year where they have home-field advantage, would be simply disastrous for both management and players, which is why Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly ranked them as the most desperate team at this year’s trade deadline. 

“In a year without a dominant team, not only do the Blue Jays now appear to be the favorites to win their division, but a World Series contender," Kelly wrote. "If they keep playing like that, it will assure that general manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider—both of whom appeared to be on the hot seat entering the year—will return in 2026. But if there's a collapse and Toronto misses the playoffs, it might put the nail in both of their coffins.”

Fortunately for the Blue Jays, their farm system is much stronger than in years past, giving them the ammo to make a big move to bolster their postseason chance. Adding another reliable starting pitcher to support Bassitt, Gausman and Berrios figures to be a priority, as does adding an outfielder in the wake of injuries to Dalton Varsho and Anthony Santander. 

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