MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Eyeing Notable Starting Pitcher, To Be Aggressive at Deadline

John Schneider & Blue Jays looking for starting pitcher at trade deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a stunning and unexpected run to the top of the AL East Division as we enter the All-Star Break. Now with their first opportunity to be a factor in the playoffs after an overwhelmingly disappointing 10-year run, executives Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins don't intend to let this slip away.

According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, they will do their best to solidify the roster at the trade deadline.

GMs believe that the Toronto Blue Jays could be as aggressive as any team in baseball at the deadline, believing this could be their best chance to return to the World Series since 1993. The Blue Jays are looking for a front-line pitcher, and have shown interest in (Zac) Gallen.

Blue Jays to target Zac Gallen at trade deadline

Gallen, a pending free agent after the season, is having a brutal contract year thus far. With a 5.75 ERA at the end of June, it looked like he had finally turned the corner at the beginning of July, with two starts in which he allowed just one earned run 13 innings. But a six-run clunker at the hands of the LA Angels on Saturday might have put an end to those thoughts.

Nevertheless, Jays GM Ross Atkins likes him, and could make him their target. Gallen has a 5.40 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 20 starts. He has a career 3.55 ERA.

As for the D-Backs, they looked like they were getting themselves back into the Wild Card race and were within 3.5 games of a playoff spot last week. But another three straight losses have them 6.5 games back again. According to Nightengale, they'll be listening on all of their pending free agents.

"(Arizona) will definitely be sellers at the trade deadline according to rival executives, believing they have no choice if they want to compete in 2026."

One rival GM said it's a no-brainer:

“I don’t see a world (in which) they don’t sell. They have so many holes, and so many free agents."

We'll see if the Jays and Snakes can work a deal.