MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Linked To 3 Players At Trade Deadline

Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo pitches in 2025 game.

As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves now ahead of the New York Yankees in the AL East and firmly in win-now mode.

Blue Jays linked to three key trade targets ahead of deadline

According to Fansided’s Christopher Kline, Toronto has its eye on three major trade targets who could tilt the division race: Seth Lugo, Aroldis Chapman, and Marcell Ozuna. All three are veteran players with expiring contracts, making them ideal candidates for a playoff-hungry club without long-term risk.

Lugo brings playoff-tested consistency to Toronto’s rotation

Starting with pitching, Kline names Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo as a dream addition. Lugo, who owns a stellar 2.74 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 15 starts, is in the final year of a $15 million deal. He’s not flashy, but his command and pitch mix have made him one of the most reliable arms available. Toronto’s rotation could use a steady presence behind Kevin Gausman, and Lugo’s playoff experience with Kansas City last year only adds to the appeal.

Seth Lugo this season:

5-5
88.2 IP
2.74 ERA
76 K

Thoughts on a potential reunion with the former Met at the trade deadline? pic.twitter.com/1KcxSCXYVj
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) July 2, 2025

Chapman and Ozuna offer short-term power boost

Kline also identifies Boston closer Aroldis Chapman as a perfect bullpen upgrade. Despite being 37, Chapman is posting a dominant season: 1.32 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 34 innings. His addition would ease the burden on Jeff Hoffman and give the Jays a left-right duo to shut down late innings.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna could slot in as a DH or power bat off the bench. His 11 home runs and .770 OPS this season suggest he still has thunder in his bat, even if his defense is no longer part of the equation.

Aroldis Chapman, 101mph ⛽️

And K Pose. pic.twitter.com/z2QNAchUQn
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025

Whether or not Toronto can pull off all three moves remains to be seen. But if Ross Atkins is serious about overtaking the Yankees, swinging big on Lugo, Chapman, or Ozuna could be the key to a deep October run.

Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images