The Toronto Blue Jays’ offense is lacking a major power threat in 2025, which certainly wasn’t the expectation.
Entering play Wednesday, the Blue Jays are 24th in Major League Baseball with 42 home runs, and that’s only because of a recent hot streak. No one on the roster has more than six, and free-agent acquisition Anthony Santander is hitting .185.
For the Blue Jays to make a playoff push, which might be what is needed for several coaches and front office execs to keep their jobs, the power will have to continue to surge. And one baseball writer believes Toronto can make an early-season trade to find some thump.
On Wednesday, Kenneth Teape of Blue Jays on SI named Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward, who has 13 long balls already this season, as a top hypothetical trade candidate for Toronto in the coming weeks.
“Ward could be a popular name on the rumor mill in the coming weeks, despite owning a batting average under .200, because of the power potential that he provides,” Teape wrote.
“Ward consistently finds the barrel and hits the ball hard. His batting average leaves a lot to be desired, but that power is something Toronto desperately needs and should be looking to add to their lineup sooner rather than later, to avoid falling any further out of the playoff picture.”
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Ward, 31, got his batting average up to .203 on Tuesday night, while slugging .467 on the season. He’s also played 46 of the Angels’ 47 games, which is a good sign given that last year was his first in the big leagues with at least 150 games played.
With a $7.8 million salary this season and arbitration eligibility in 2026, Ward would also be a relatively cost-controlled outfield bat compared to those on the roster already (specifically, Santander and George Springer).
If the Blue Jays put Ward in left field, Daulton Varsho in center, George Springer in right, and Santander at designated hitter, they might have one of the most well-rounded outfields in the American League.
More MLB: Cubs could sign Mets 4-time All-Star if Kyle Tucker leaves Chicago, per insider
