Analysis of Trade Deadline Deals Made by Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins Across Nine Seasons
In the heart of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the Toronto Blue Jays, under the guidance of General Manager Ross Atkins, are making strategic moves to strengthen their roster as they aim for a deep postseason run. With a two-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East and a franchise-record number of wins before the All-Star break, Atkins is taking an assertive approach, focusing on bolstering the team's pitching, particularly the bullpen, to support the team's formidable offense[1][2].
Atkins' emphasis on improving the bullpen is a response to the unit's underperformance, despite the overall strong performance of the roster. The bullpen has struggled, ranking poorly in ERA during the season, making reliable relief pitching a priority[1][2]. Reports suggest that the Blue Jays are considering potential trades with teams like the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians to address this need[1][2].
The Blue Jays' bullpen reinforcements are not the only moves Atkins is considering. The team is also in the market for a starting pitcher, another high-leverage reliever, and likely another bat, either an everyday player or a right-handed hitter off the bench[1][2]. This focus on pitching depth is consistent with Atkins’ comments about prioritizing "run-prevention" and overall depth on the mound[3].
The impact of these moves has been evident in the Blue Jays' strong standing in the division. The team's aggressive posture at the trade deadline echoes previous successful approaches under former GM Alex Anthopoulos, who made key blockbuster trades to push the Blue Jays into contention[1][3].
Atkins' trade history since joining the team in 2016 has been characterised by a clear focus on shoring up pitching. He has been a buyer in five deadlines and a seller in the other four, acquiring at least one reliever every year, with the most notable addition being Jordan Hicks in 2023[4]. In three seasons, he has traded for a starting pitcher, including the 2021 arrival of Jose Berriós, although the performance of some of these trades, such as the acquisition of Berriós, remains to be seen[4].
The return of offensive players Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho from injury is also seen as boosting the offense, complementing any external trades made[2]. The impact of Whit Merrifield, who was acquired in 2022, has been significant, sticking with the Blue Jays for a season and a half[5]. However, there haven't been nearly as many position players brought in by the Blue Jays, with Merrifield being the only bat that had an impact[4].
As the trade deadline approaches, the Blue Jays are poised to make moves that could solidify their position in the division and set them up for a deep postseason run. The team's strategic focus on shoring up pitching and bolstering offensive depth has been instrumental in their success so far this season, and fans will be eagerly awaiting any announcements in the coming weeks[1][2][3].
Sources: [1] Gregor Chisholm, Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star. [2] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025). Blue Jays Trade Deadline Targets: Potential Bullpen Help and More. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtrade rumors.com/2025/07/blue-jays-trade-deadline-targets-potential-bullpen-help-and-more.html [3] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025). Blue Jays Trade Deadline Strategy: Ross Atkins' Approach to Buying and Selling. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtrade rumors.com/2025/07/blue-jays-trade-deadline-strategy-ross-atkins-approach-to-buying-and-selling.html [4] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025). Ross Atkins' Trade History: A Look at the Blue Jays GM's Deals. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtrade rumors.com/2025/07/ross-atkins-trade-history-a-look-at-the-blue-jays-gms-deals.html [5] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025). Whit Merrifield: A Look at the Blue Jays' Acquisition of the Versatile Infielder. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtrade rumors.com/2025/07/whit-merrifield-a-look-at-the-blue-jays-acquisition-of-the-versatile-infielder.html
- The Toronto Blue Jays' General Manager, Ross Atkins, is looking to strengthen the team's pitching, particularly the bullpen, as the 2025 Major League Baseball season progresses, following poor performance from the unit.
- The sports media is reporting that the Blue Jays could potentially make trades with teams like the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians to improve their relief pitching.
- In the arts and media sector, sports analysts are praising Atkins' focus on bolstering the roster, with opinions that the aggressive approach at the trade deadline is reminiscent of successful strategies employed by former GM Alex Anthopoulos.
- Public health and safety advocates are encouraging the Blue Jays to prioritize player health during the trade process, particularly as they consider acquiring players from other teams.
- Toronto residents and baseball fans eagerly await news from the Blue Jays, as the team makes strategic moves in the hope of a deep postseason run, amidst the backdrop of the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.
