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6 relief pitchers Toronto Blue Jays should target before trade deadline

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Jul 30 2025, 4:28 pm
6 relief pitchers Toronto Blue Jays should target before trade deadline
Bruce Kluckhohn/Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of several MLB teams to keep an eye on with the trade deadline just one day away.

The Blue Jays had rather low expectations entering the 2025 season, but have largely shocked the baseball world with an AL East-best 63-46 record. Thanks to their incredible play, they are being viewed as a potential big-time buyer heading into the trade deadline.

One area where the Blue Jays could use some help is the bullpen. They were able to acquire Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, but are still looking to upgrade even further when it comes to the pen, as per manager John Schneider.

Here is a look at six relievers the Blue Jays should be looking to add as they look to bolster their lineup in hopes of a World Series run this fall.

Jhoan Duran (Minnesota Twins)

With a record of 51-56, the Minnesota Twins are expected to sell at the deadline, and that may include moving their closer, Jhoan Duran. The 6-foot-5 right-hander has a 2.01 ERA along with 16 saves through 49.1 innings this season.

The Blue Jays wouldn’t rely on Duran to be their closer, though he could occupy that role whenever Jeff Hoffman needs a break. The 27-year-old avoided arbitration this past season with a one-year, $4.125-million contract, but is expected to face arbitration again ahead of 2026.

Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians)

Cade Smith has been one of the MLB’s best relievers since coming into the league in 2024, and is a player many teams would love to get their hands on. The Abbotsford, B.C., native has a 3.20 ERA through 45 innings pitched this season.

Smith finished ninth in AL Cy Young voting in 2024, as well as fifth in AL rookie of the year. He has four more years of club control, meaning that he won’t come cheap, but if the Jays really want to swing for the fences, this is their guy.

David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Though David Bednar’s name isn’t as exciting as several others on this list, he is heating up at the right time for any team looking to go on a lengthy run this fall. After being sent to Triple-A early in the season, Bednar has been lights out, having recently given up zero runs over 23 straight appearances.

Bednar has been quite valuable at other times in his career, as he is a two-time All-Star and had a career-high 39 saves in 2023. Like Duran, he wouldn’t be relied upon as a closer in Toronto, but could fill in for Hoffman whenever needed. He would also be a cheaper option.

Pete Fairbanks (Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays’ recent struggles as of late may have been enough to convince their management to sell, and should they do so, one player who will receive significant interest is relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks. The 6-foot-6 right-hander has a 2.75 ERA and 18 saves through 39.1 innings on the year.

What makes Fairbanks a legitimate option for the Blue Jays is that he has a club option for 2026. It’s no secret that the Jays management regime prefers players with term, making him a logical fit.

Ryan Helsley (St. Louis Cardinals)

After finishing ninth in NL Cy Young voting last season, Ryan Helsley’s play has dropped off in 2025, though by no means has he been bad. The two-time All-Star has a 3.00 ERA along with 21 saves through 36 innings this season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The one concern with Helsley this season is that his home run rate has increased this season, though that may be something the Blue Jays are confident they can improve. There have been several reports that the Jays are interested, though he is set to become a free agent at season’s end.

Griffin Jax (Minnesota Twins)

After beginning his career as a starter with the Minnesota Twins, Griffin Jax transitioned into a bullpen role in 2022 and is a pitcher many teams would love to acquire at this year’s trade deadline. The 30-year-old has racked up 72 strikeouts through just 46 innings this season.

Jax is on an affordable contract at $2.365 million and has team control for an additional two seasons. Picking him up would be a huge boost in the Blue Jays’ hopes of going on a long playoff run.

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