As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Toronto Blue Jays are carefully positioning themselves to solidify their pitching staff, aiming to maintain their surprising lead in the American League East. More than 60 percent of the season has passed, and despite initial doubts, the Blue Jays now sit atop the division. However, concerns over their starting rotation’s effectiveness remain a critical obstacle to their postseason aspirations.
Rotation Challenges Threaten Blue Jays’ Division Goals
The Blue Jays currently rank 25th in the league for starting pitcher earned run average (ERA), standing at 4.60, which raises questions about their ability to sustain their divisional advantage. With the possible departures of key starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer looming, the team’s front office understands that urgent reinforcements are required. Their options include either acquiring a short-term rental player or securing a pitcher under contract for several years, which would better address long-term rotation stability.
Luis Severino Emerges as a Potential Acquisition Target
Among the candidates under consideration, Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics has attracted interest as a possible addition before the July 31 trade deadline. Trevor Plouffe, former MLB player and host of the Talkin’ Baseball podcast, suggests Severino could be the dependable arm the Blue Jays need, given his experience and history within the AL East.
Severino’s Season Performance Reflects Inconsistency
This year, Severino’s performances have been inconsistent. At the Athletics’ home games, he has posted a troubling 6.80 ERA across 12 starts. However, his road outings have been noticeably stronger, with a 3.04 ERA over eight starts, showing his ability to perform more effectively away from Oakland. Plouffe remarked on Severino’s postseason background and familiarity with divisional opponents as valuable assets for Toronto’s pitching group.
“There’s a couple of impending free agents there in Toronto. He could kind of bridge that gap. And I think he needs to get out of the A’s,”
—Trevor Plouffe, former MLB player and podcast host
Contract Details and Strategic Considerations for Toronto
At the start of this season, Severino signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Athletics, the largest in Oakland’s franchise history. This contract was viewed largely as a move to maintain revenue-sharing obligations rather than a committed long-term plan for team success. Should Severino join Toronto and deliver a consistent ERA in the mid-threes, it would validate the investment and provide much-needed stability to a rotation currently under pressure.
Outlook as Blue Jays Aim for AL East Title
Heading into the trade deadline, the Blue Jays are in a strong position to make a pivotal pitching acquisition. Adding Luis Severino could help bridge rotation issues and reinforce the team’s chances of capturing the AL East crown. His postseason experience and adaptability to the division make him a compelling target as Toronto looks to nurture depth and durability for the stretch run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Luis Severino throw?
A. In 2025, their main pitches are a Slider at 85 mph, a Fourseam Fastball at 96 mph, and a Sinker at 96 mph. They also use a Cutter at 93 mph and a Changeup at 87 mph.
Q. During Game 3 of their series at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, some players were seen wearing the number 40 as eye black. Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Jesse Winker were among those players. Why did they do so? It came down to supporting one of their own, as pitcher Luis Severino, who wears No.
A. Why do the Mets have the number 40 on their faces?