The Toronto Blue Jays came to within just two outs of winning their first World Series title since 1993 last October, but the opportunity slipped away and Toronto fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Unfortunately, the Blue Jays still appear to be having some World Series hangover. They are 16-21 and tied for last place in the American League East with the Boston Red Sox. But because the American League is as weak as it is right now, the reigning AL champions can’t be counted out of the playoff picture just yet.
In fact, a trade to boost their offense could be just what they need to get back into the playoff picture and return to the postseason in 2026. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report proposed the idea of them trading for three-time American League MVP Mike Trout.
“The Blue Jays do have Daulton Varsho in center field, but moving him to left or right would be an easy call if it meant having Trout in the everyday lineup. Because frankly, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto need help,” Rymer wrote.
“Even if the rest of the lineup would still have a certain thinness to it, having those three would ensure a rock-solid middle. And with Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage in the rotation and Louis Varland in the bullpen, Trout could be confident that the pitching staff would be ready to take on October.”
How It Can Work
As far as how this can work, Rymer has an idea, swapping one big contract with another.
“The bad contract swap element of a deal between these two teams is almost too easy. José Berríos seems to have worn out his welcome in Toronto, so any excuse to move the $62.4 million he’s owed through 2028 is not to be passed up.”
Both the Angels and Blue Jays would have to eat some money to get this potential deal done, and Toronto would also have to part with some top prospects if they can. The move would give the Angels an established pitcher to boost their rotation that is also looking for a bounceback.
But Trout would have the opportunity to play for a contending team if the Blue Jays start to play better. It will be interesting to see if a potential deal can come together and if Berrios would be enough for Toronto to get Trout.
How Mike Trout Would Fit with Blue Jays
As Rymer mentions, Toronto has Daulton Varsho at center field right now, but Trout is obviously a better option, so they could move Varsho to one of the corner outfield spots. The Blue Jays do need offense.
They have scored the second fewest runs in the American League, and adding somebody like Trout would significantly boost the lineup and could easily get them back into the picture. Trout has not had a chance to play in the postseason since 2014, and in that postseason, the Angels were swept in the ALDS. They have not had a winning season since 2015 either.
Playing in Toronto would give Trout a chance to win his World Series ring.
Blue Jays Pushed to Make ‘Easy’ Trade for Mike Trout, Ditching $131 Million Vet