MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Eyeing Very Clear Upgrade

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider looks on during 2025 game.

The Toronto Blue Jays have flipped the script on their 2025 season, and now they’re looking to double down.

With a strong June surge and a top Wild Card spot in hand, Toronto is no longer flirting with a fire sale. Instead, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Blue Jays are preparing to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, with a clear focus on upgrading their starting rotation.

Currently ranked 22nd in MLB in rotation ERA despite a dangerous lineup, the Jays are seeking reinforcements behind Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt. Bowden reports that GM Ross Atkins has made starting pitching “a priority,” and two names stand out: Arizona Diamondbacks right-handers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

Bowden believes the Jays match up well with Arizona, which is hovering near .500 and may consider moving veterans on expiring deals.

Gallen and Kelly Headline Toronto’s Target List

Zac Gallen, an All-Star in 2023 and key figure in the D-backs’ World Series run, hasn’t looked himself this season with a 5.15 ERA and rising walk rate. But his upside remains tantalizing, especially for a Blue Jays team with playoff aspirations. Gallen’s postseason experience and strikeout potential could make him a strong bounce-back candidate if a change of scenery pays off.

Merrill Kelly has to be one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball pic.twitter.com/PnrEKjCS8v
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) June 11, 2025

Meanwhile, Merrill Kelly may be the more stable option. At 6-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 2025 and fresh off a stellar postseason performance (2.25 ERA in four starts), Kelly would bring immediate credibility to Toronto’s staff. His affordable contract, including a $7M club option for next year, makes him even more attractive as a short-term and potentially medium-term solution.

Toronto Is All-In on 2025 Push

As Bowden notes, the Blue Jays are one of the few contenders clearly shopping for arms, with other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies either banged up or focused elsewhere. With their offense rounding into form (top-3 in wRC+ since May), Toronto’s path to October could depend on how aggressively they pursue reinforcements for the rotation.