2026 MLB trade deadline: Blue Jays and Braves trade fits
Photo credit: © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Jul 27, 2026, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 27, 2026, 18:09 EDT
It’s been a while since the Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves have made a trade.
Their most recent trade was on May 30th, when the Blue Jays sent minor league Kelvin Perez for cash. The last time a notable trade occurred was back in late May, 2016, when the Blue Jays acquired Jason Grilli. There has never been a major trade between the two teams.
That could change before August 3rd’s trade deadline. The Blue Jays currently sit last in the American League East with a 48-58 record, five and a half games back of the final wild card spot. It’s the total opposite for the Braves, who have a 62-43 record and are first in the National League East.
Let’s take a look at who the Blue Jays have to sell, as well as what the Braves’ needs are.
What do the Braves need and who is a fit
In the middle of July, MLB.com released an article detailing every team’s needs ahead of the deadline. While the article is nearly two weeks old, the Braves’ need for a playoff calibre starter is not old information, still ringing true a week away from the deadline.
While a starter or two is their biggest need ahead of the deadline, it’s not their only need. A recent TSN article notes that the 2021 World Series winners could use some bullpen help. Fangraphs also point to a designated hitter and outfield depth as needed for the Braves.
It’ll be a busy few days leading into the deadline for the Braves, especially with former Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos at the helm. With a farm system to get something done, expect the NL East team to make a splash.
Who do the Jays have to sell
So that begs the question, who could the Blue Jays offer the Braves? Well, every single one of the Braves’ needs, a playoff proven starter, bullpen help, a designated hitter, and outfielder depth can be filled by the Blue Jays.
Two Blue Jays starters could be on the move, namely Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber. Gausman has been linked as a potential fit by numerous publications, while Bieber has had two consecutive strong outings to bolster his trade value. While neither starter is an ace another, both were valuable members of the AL pennant winning Blue Jays last season.
On Monday afternoon, ESPN’s Jeff Passan answered a question on Threads, noting that the Blue Jays could trade a few relievers. Jeff Hoffman is the most obvious pick, but perhaps Tyler Rogers is another option.
The Braves’ main designated hitter this season has been Dominic Smith, who is slashing .273/.321/.415 with seven home runs in 225 plate appearances over 60 games, good for a 100 wRC+. Springer hasn’t been any better, even with his recent hot streak, but he has a track record in the playoffs and could be of interest. It’s also worth noting that Springer has 10-5 rights and can veto any trade.
Lastly, the Blue Jays have a glut of left-handed batting outfielders. Daulton Varsho is the lone player who has an expiring contract, but Nathan Lukes, Jesús Sánchez, and maybe even Myles Straw could be an option as well.
The Braves and Jays have never made a major trade, but the Blue Jays have players for sale who fills the needs of the Braves.
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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