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With plenty of trade targets available, the Blue Jays have the prospect capital to pull off a blockbuster
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Photo credit: © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Dec 4, 2025, 10:15 ESTUpdated: Dec 4, 2025, 10:11 EST
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There has been a ton of talk about what the Toronto Blue Jays are going to do in free agency.
In fact, they’ve already signed two starting pitchers, Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, while Shane Bieber opted into his deal early in the off-season. They’ll undoubtedly continue to be active in that market, as they were recently linked to players like Pete Fairbanks, Edwin Díaz, Kyle Tucker, and of course, Bo Bichette.
One area that hasn’t been discussed enough is the potential for a trade. Recently, it was reported that they’d listen to offers for José Berríos, but could they make a trade involving prospects to land a big name?
Well, MLB Pipeline recently looked at 10 teams that could swing a trade at the Winter Meetings, and to no one’s surprise, the Blue Jays are on it. Their farm system went from one of the worst in baseball to middle of the pack, due in part to picking eighth overall in the 2025 draft. On a grade of 20-80, 20 being unlikely and 80 being highly likely, Jim Callis gave the Jays a 55 grade to make a trade when the Winter Meetings kick off on Dec. 8.
It’s noted that Trey Yesavage and JoJo Parker (whom the Blue Jays picked eighth overall) are pretty much untouchable, but everyone else could be an option to be traded. The question is, who of note could the Blue Jays target?

Recently, Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel released a list of the top 25 trade candidates for ESPN. Of course, Tarik Skubal ranked first, but with the Blue Jays’ rotation essentially being set, acquiring a starter doesn’t make much sense. The list includes Freddy Pealta (ranked third), Hunter Greene (ranked fifth), and Joey Ryan (ranked sixth), and several other pitchers who the Jays likely won’t target.
Ketel Marte ranks second on the list, and he’s an interesting name because the Blue Jays have already been linked to the second baseman this off-season. While ESPN didn’t link the Blue Jays to him (or any of the other 24 players, for that matter), this move would make sense if the Jays are unable to sign Bo Bichette for whatever reason.
Steven Kwan is another player who has been linked to the Blue Jays, as there was a lot of talk about the left fielder around the trade deadline. The left-handed batter is a strong defender and is one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball.
Another infielder of note is Brendan Donovan, who mainly served as the St. Louis Cardinals’ second baseman but is capable of playing the outfield. There isn’t a ton of out-of-the-park power in his bat, but he’s a strong hitter who is very affordable (contract-wise).
Brandon Lowe is another second baseman of note who is on ESPN’s list. The 31-year-old slashed .256/.307/.477 with 31 home runs in 2025, the most since his 39 home runs in 2021. He consistently produces a wRC+ above 115 and has plenty of pop in his bat.
The Blue Jays have the prospect capital to swing a trade thanks to plenty of breakouts in 2025. However, the question is, will there be an upgrade on the market this off-season? What three of those four players listed above have in common is that they play second base. 
If Bichette re-signs, that position is no longer an area of need for the Blue Jays. That said, a spot in the outfield could be upgraded upon if they don’t sign Tucker, with Kwan, Bryan Buxton, Jarren Duran, and a handful of others being options.
Trades tend to come out of nowhere in the off-season. Look at the Andrés Giménez trade last off-season or the Teoscar Hernández trade three off-seasons ago. There are certainly upgrades to be had, and the Jays can easily pull it off with an improved farm system.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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