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2026 MLB trade deadline: Blue Jays and Twins trade fits
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Photo credit: © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jul 31, 2026, 18:45 EDTUpdated: Jul 31, 2026, 17:11 EDT
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The Minnesota Twins were one of a handful of teams that the Toronto Blue Jays traded with before the 2025 trade deadline.
Their roles were reversed, though. The Twins had a massive fire sale, and were able to acquire Kendry Rojas and Alan Roden from the Blue Jays for Louis Varland and Ty France. Varland has been a top three reliever in baseball this season and still has years of control remaining, a nice short-term and long-term play for the Blue Jays.
As good as he, Tyler Rogers, Jeff Hoffman, and the rest of the bullpen have been in 2026, it hasn’t been enough for the team to avoid being sellers. Entering the St. Louis Cardinals series, the Jays have a 50-59 record, last in the American League East and five and a half games back of the final wild card spot.
The Twins are one of seven teams that the Blue Jays would need to leapfrog to get into a playoff spot. They are just one game back of the wild card spot, and have been one of the few active teams heading into the deadline.
Let’s take a look at what the Twins need and who the Blue Jays have to sell.

What do the Twins need?

On Thursday evening, the Twins acquired A.J. Minter from the New York Mets. Minter was seen as one of the best relievers on the market, and helps the Twins’ primary need of improving their bullpen. They also acquired Tommy Nance from the Blue Jays earlier in July.
Even with Minter, there’s still room for improvement. Yoendrys Gómez has emerged as their primary close, converting all 13 save opportunities. However, 12 Twins’ relievers have a save to their name this season, including Taylor Rogers.
Starting pitching is another need, which also targets the bullpen. Taj Bradley and Joe Ryan are a strong one-two rotation, but their current rotation consists of Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, and Connor Prielipp, with every player registering a 4.45 ERA or higher.
Offensively, they’re pretty set, though Byron Buxton was recently placed on the 15-day injured list. Maybe they look to bring in a bat and go from there. That said, pitching is their primary need.

Who do the Jays have to sell?

The good news for the Twins is that the Blue Jays have some pitching to offer. Kevin Gausman is one of the most noteworthy starters on the trade block, and he would instantly slot in as their #3 thanks to his playoff experience.
Like Gausman, Shane Bieber is set to become a free agent following the 2026 season, but his most recent start on Tuesday may scare off teams from acquiring him before August 3rd’s deadline.
Two Blue Jays relievers who have been in rumours are Jeff Hoffman, and to a lesser degree, Tyler Rogers. Hoffman has an additional year on his contract after 2026, while Rogers’ deal is set to be finished after 2028, albeit there is a vesting option for the 2029 season.
If Buxton’s injury is a long-term one, a player like Daulton Varsho could make some sense as his replacement in centre field, at least for the time being. Myles Straw may also be an option as a fifth outfield, while George Springer isn’t a fit.
It’s also worth noting that the Twins are a small market team, so holding back money is a must. Springer and Gausman are both owed about $7 million for the remainder of the season, and both Hoffman and Rogers make over $10 million annually.
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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