With the trade deadline season ramping up, the Blue Jays have several key decisions to make. For the first time since 2016, Toronto sits atop the American League East, and there’s a renewed sense of optimism among the fanbase. Despite all the positives, there’s always room for improvement—and the bullpen stands out as a major area of need.

Toronto’s bullpen has come a long way from its 29th-ranked ERA in 2024 and now ranks 10th in the league. However, the biggest concern isn’t performance—it’s fatigue. Several key relievers have already shouldered heavy workloads. Yariel Rodriguez, Brandon Little, and others have exceeded 40 innings pitched, with Chad Green and Jeff Hoffman not far behind at 38 and 37 innings, respectively.

The team has also battled injuries throughout the season. Both Nick Sandlin and Yimi García missed extended time, with García recently landing back on the injured list. With certain arms overused and others unavailable, the Jays need to bolster their bullpen depth. Here are a few relievers who could fit their needs at the deadline:

This is a name the Blue Jays should be all over as the deadline approaches. If Atlanta becomes a seller, Bummer is a left-handed reliever who could immediately fill a need in Toronto. While Mason Fluharty has had some strong stretches this season, he struggled mightily in June, posting a 9.82 ERA for the month.

Bummer, meanwhile, has been solid in Atlanta. In 29 appearances this season, he owns a 3.41 ERA across 37 innings, racking up 40 strikeouts. His fastball touches 95 mph, and his sinker is especially effective at inducing ground balls—something that fits well with Toronto’s strong infield defense.

Adding a hard-throwing lefty who can generate ground balls would help ease the burden on Brandon Little and bring more stability to the middle innings. With the Braves potentially looking to reset for 2026, Bummer is a realistic trade chip that makes sense for both sides.

While Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos is known to drive a hard bargain, a deal with his former team in Toronto could come together if both parties see mutual benefit.

With Yimi García out indefinitely, the Blue Jays need another setup option. Jeff Hoffman has looked sharp lately, and younger arms like Yosver Zulueta and Braydon Fisher have been tested in high-leverage spots. Still, with Erik Swanson underperforming, the team needs another late-inning reliever, and Kyle Finnegan could be that piece.

Finnegan has been the best reliever on a struggling Nationals team and is an ideal trade candidate. A 2024 All-Star, he ranked third in MLB with 38 saves last season, trailing only Emmanuel Clase (47) and Ryan Helsley (49). He owns a career 3.45 ERA and has been remarkably consistent.

While not a flame-thrower, Finnegan has leaned more heavily on his splitter this year, throwing it 30% of the time. That adjustment has helped him remain effective in high-leverage spots. The Blue Jays and Nationals have trade history—Toronto acquired Brad Hand in 2021 in a deal that didn’t work out—but Finnegan has a much more stable profile and could fill the role Erik Swanson played in past seasons.

Minnesota and Toronto have frequently been trade partners. From the José Berríos deal in 2021 to last year’s Trevor Richards trade, the two front offices are familiar with each other. The Jays also brought in hitting coach David Popkins from Minnesota’s staff last offseason, furthering the connection.

Griffin Jax would be a strong addition to the Blue Jays’ bullpen. Originally a starter when he debuted, Jax transitioned to relief and has thrived in that role. He owns a 3.98 ERA over 266 career games and even took over closer duties from Jhoan Duran at times last season.

What sets Jax apart is his strikeout ability. He ranks in the top 1% of the league in strikeout rate (39.1%) and leads Twins relievers with 61 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings. For comparison, the Blue Jays’ strikeout leader out of the bullpen is Brandon Little with 50.

Although Jax is under team control through 2028, Minnesota might choose to capitalize on his value and move him now, especially if they begin to slide out of the playoff race. His ability to slot in as a high-leverage righty could make him an excellent complement to Jeff Hoffman in Toronto.

Celebrate Vladdy’s big news in style with the exclusive new BlueJaysNation Vladdy merch — available only at NationGear.ca! Rep a future Hall of Famer and wear your team’s pride loud. Limited drop. Don’t miss out.