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6 right-handed batters Toronto Blue Jays should target before trade deadline

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Jul 18 2025, 6:02 pm
6 right-handed batters Toronto Blue Jays should target before trade deadline
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the hottest teams in the MLB heading into the trade deadline.

The Jays are sitting at 7-3 over their last 10 outings, and sit atop the AL East division with a 55-41 record. It’s a spot few expected to see them in before the 2025 season began, but one that nearly guarantees they will be making a splash or two at or ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

The Blue Jays could use help in a number of areas. They haven’t hit for much power this year, and instead have often relied on their outstanding defence to win them games. Their rotation has been solid but could use an upgrade, though GM Ross Atkins has made it clear that he would also like to add a right-handed bat to the fold.

“Adding a right-handed hitter to our team is something we’ve been trying to do internally and considered external alternatives, as well,” Atkins said. “But on the run-prevention side, it’s probably going to come from pitching, as good as our defence has been.”

While there are tons of good pitchers out there that the Blue Jays can go after heading into the deadline, this list will go over some right-handed bats that Atkins and his staff may look to target.

Eugenio Suarez (Arizona Diamondbacks)

  • Position: 3B/SS
  • 2025 stats: 348 AB, .250, 31 HR, 78 RBI

If the Blue Jays wanted to add some serious power to their lineup, there is nobody better on the market than Eugenio Suarez. The 34-year-old has been a good power hitter for years, but is taking things to an entirely different level in 2025.


Suarez, who sits fourth in the MLB with 31 home runs, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Recently named to his second career All-Star Game, he won’t be cheap to acquire, but would put the Jays in the status of true contenders heading into the playoffs.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Arizona Diamondbacks)

  • Position: LF
  • 2025 stats: 354 AB, .251, 12 HR, 47 RBI

Who doesn’t love a reunion? Blue Jays fans were quite high on Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during his five seasons in Toronto from 2018 to 2022, and were rather upset to see him traded following the 2022 campaign.

Gurriel has continued to be a solid bat for the Diamondbacks, and is currently on a deal that sees him earn $14 million. He has a player option for $13 million in 2026, followed up by a club option for $14 million in 2027.

Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves)

  • Position: OF
  • 2025 stats: 318 AB, .239, 13 HR, 42 RBI

After hitting .302 with 39 home runs and 104 RBI in a season where he was selected to play in his third career All-Star Game, Marcell Ozuna’s stats have dipped tremendously in 2025. With the Braves sitting at a disappointing 42-53, the 34-year-old is likely to be traded come the deadline.


Despite the down year, Ozuna would still require a hefty return. He’s set to become a free agent this coming offseason. He generally plays DH for the Atlanta Braves as he isn’t particularly great defensively, but the rewards of his bat are well worth his defensive shortcomings.

Taylor Ward (Los Angeles Angels)

  • Position: LF
  • 2025 stats: 361 AB, .224, 21 HR, 65 RBI

The batting average is down for Taylor Ward this season, but he’s already been able to hit 20 home runs for the third time in his career. Even more importantly, he’s been able to stay healthy, something he’s had serious problems with over the years.

Jays fans may remember Ward from the 2024 season, where he seemingly downplayed a Bowden Francis start in which the right-hander carried a no-hit bid into the ninth. Potential bad blood aside, however, he’s a player who could help the Jays going forward.

Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers)

  • Position: RF
  • 2025 stats: 342 AB, .234, 13 HR, 56 RBI

Adolis Garcia’s stats have been down in each of the past two seasons, which you may think would have other teams shying away from him. Instead, however, it may do the polar opposite.

Garcia’s value was at an all-time high after the 2023 season, in which he had a career-high 39 home runs and 107 RBI. Many teams will be confident they can get him back to that level, and the fact he has another year of team control could make him a wise addition.

Ramón Laureano (Baltimore Orioles)

  • Position: RF
  • 2025 stats: 211 AB, .284, 11 HR, 35 RBI

From an offensive standpoint, Ramón Laureano pales in comparison to the others on this list. That said, he can still get the ball in play and is as good as any outfielder in the MLB from a defensive standpoint.


The Orioles may not be all too eager to trade with their divisional rival, but may simply be willing to give him up with whatever team is prepared to make them the best offer.

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