Blue Jays Pursue Diamondbacks Star Pitchers Ahead Trade Deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as strong playoff contenders in 2025, holding the top American League Wild Card spot and narrowing the gap with the Yankees. Despite early-season struggles, the Blue Jays' recent surge has shifted their stance from sellers to buyers, with a priority on strengthening their starting rotation. Jim Bowden of The Athletic highlights the Blue Jays as a strong match for Arizona Diamondbacks' impending free-agent starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both of whom bring valuable postseason experience and could provide much-needed pitching depth. While Gallen has had a challenging start to the season, he remains a former Cy Young contender, and Kelly has been notably consistent and effective, making him a favored trade target. The Diamondbacks face uncertainty at the trade deadline, potentially selling some of their key players, including Gallen and Kelly, to address expiring contracts. Acquiring Kelly or Gallen could aid the Blue Jays in their pursuit of a postseason run, especially as they look to complement their solid offense and stabilize their pitching staff.