After a heartbreaking Game 7 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays have responded with an eventful offseason. The Blue Jays most notably signed star pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. They also brought in several other players, like Kazuma Okamoto, Tyler Rodgers, Cody Ponce, and Chase Lee.
However, while the Blue Jays made multiple additions this offseason, they also had some significant departures. They most notably lost Bo Bichette to the New York Mets, as the star infielder signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the National League East club. They also lost other players like Chris Bassitt (Baltimore Orioles), Seranthony Dominguez (Chicago White Sox), and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Boston Red Sox).
With all of this, there is no question that the Blue Jays’ roster is looking different heading into the 2026 season. They have multiple moves this winter, but they very well might not be done yet. One of their clear needs is another impactful relief pitcher as they look to win it all in 2026.
Now, the Blue Jays are being linked to one of the top relievers on the trade market because of it.
Blue Jays Named Potential Suitor for Rays’ Garrett Cleavinger
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Zach Bachar discussed a few potential suitors for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Garrett Cleavinger. Among the teams that Bachar brought up was the Blue Jays, and it is understandable, given their current bullpen situation.
“The Toronto Blue Jays could also use another left-handed reliever, as Brendon Little and Eric Lauer are currently the only lefties in Toronto’s bullpen,” Bachar wrote.
If the Blue Jays landed Cleavinger, he would certainly give them another solid southpaw reliever to work with. This would undoubtedly be beneficial for the Blue Jays, as it is one of their top needs to address at this point in the offseason.
Cleavinger is also incredibly affordable, as he has a $2.4 million salary for the 2026 season. In addition, he is under team control until after the 2027 season, so he would have the potential to be more than a one-year rental for the Blue Jays if acquired. This undoubtedly adds to his appeal and could make him a strong pickup for a Blue Jays club looking to make some noise in 2026.
Cleavinger Generating Trade Interest Ahead of 2026 Season
Cleavinger is undoubtedly a trade candidate to watch from here. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Cleavinger has been generating interest with the 2026 season right around the corner.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are drawing trade interest in left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger, according to people familiar with the discussions,” Rosenthal wrote.
When noting that Cleavinger has been a reliable reliever for multiple years now, the Blue Jays would likely have plenty of competition for his services if they enter the sweepstakes. In addition to Toronto, Bachar mentioned the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles as two teams that could kick tires on Cleavinger.
In 67 games during this past season with the Rays, Cleavinger set career-bests with a 2.35 ERA and 82 strikeouts. He has also had a 3.75 ERA or lower in each of his last four seasons with the Rays, so there is no question that he would be a strong pickup for the Blue Jays if acquired.
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