A looming MLB lockout and a thin free-agent market could push teams toward trades before Dec. 1. Five candidates could address Toronto’s needs: outfielder Steven Kwan, relievers Trevor Megill and Carmen Mlodzinski, and starters Joe Ryan and CJ Abrams, who could move to second base. Each offers a different fit, but the cost — in prospects, salary or both — will shape whether Toronto makes a deal.

By the Numbers
  • Abrams had a 30-30 season and has two guaranteed years remaining.
  • Kwan has recorded at least 3 fWAR in five consecutive seasons and is projected to earn more than $11 million in his final arbitration year.
  • Ryan posted a 5.02 ERA and 5.05 FIP across his final 11 starts; he is projected to earn about $9.6 million in his final arbitration year.
  • Mlodzinski finished with a 3.95 ERA over 123 innings.
Yes, But

Abrams could bring impact offense, but his defensive struggles and likely high acquisition price make him a major gamble, especially with only two guaranteed seasons before free agency. Toronto would also face competition from several teams. The other targets come with their own risks: Ryan finished poorly while managing a glute issue, and Mlodzinski’s uneven role and performance make his upside less certain.

State of Play
  • Toronto has a potential opening in center field and needs a reliable late-inning reliever and rotation help.
  • The listed candidates’ teams may have reasons to trade: contract timing, payroll considerations or roster depth.
  • The Blue Jays have position-player prospects and depth they could use in deals, but some targets would require significant talent in return.
What’s Next

With a potential lockout approaching, Toronto and other clubs may need to move quickly. The Blue Jays will have to weigh near-term roster upgrades against the prospect cost and, in some cases, the risk of acquiring a player with limited team control.

Bottom Line

Toronto has several plausible trade paths, from Kwan’s dependable everyday fit to higher-risk bets on Abrams or Ryan. The best move may be the one that fills a clear need without sacrificing too much of the pitching depth the club could need to stay competitive.