MLB Rumors: Reds & Blue Jays Linked to Trade

March 13, 2026 ,
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer pitches during 2026 spring training game.

The Cincinnati Reds suddenly have a problem on their hands, and it may already be pushing them toward the trade market. 

With Hunter Greene expected to miss time after undergoing an arthroscopic elbow procedure, the Reds are left scrambling for reliable rotation depth. 

That situation has quickly sparked speculation about a potential deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that happens to be overflowing with starting pitching options heading into the 2026 season.

Hunter Greene Injury Creates Urgent Reds Rotation Need

Greene’s absence is a significant blow for Cincinnati. 

The All-Star right-hander has been one of the club’s most electric arms, capable of touching triple digits and missing bats at an elite rate. 

Losing him until at least July leaves the Reds leaning heavily on pitchers like Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo, while exposing a lack of proven depth behind them.

That’s where a trade scenario involving Eric Lauer begins to make sense. 

The left-hander quietly put together a strong 2025 campaign with the Blue Jays, recording a 3.18 ERA across 28 appearances and 104.2 innings. Lauer has experience both as a starter and a swingman, making him a logical short-term solution for a Reds team trying to stay competitive in the National League Central while Greene recovers.

Blue Jays Could Target Graham Ashcraft in Deal

For the Blue Jays, a swap centered around Graham Ashcraft would check several boxes, as proposed by Fansided's Zach Rotman. 

Toronto’s rotation is already loaded with arms like Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Jose Berrios, Max Scherzer, and Cody Ponce, leaving Lauer without a clear path to a permanent starting role despite his strong results.

Ashcraft, meanwhile, could immediately bolster Toronto’s bullpen. 

The hard-throwing right-hander transitioned to relief in 2025 and produced impressive underlying numbers, including a 2.72 FIP across 62 appearances while allowing just two home runs in 65.1 innings. 

With three years of team control remaining, he would give the Blue Jays another power arm capable of handling late-game situations while strengthening an already talented pitching staff, Rotman notes.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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