Blue Jays' Chances of Landing Cy Young Winner Appear Slim

Through 56 games, the Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitchers rank 26th in innings pitched (263.1), ninth in ERA (3.83), tied for 11th in WHIP (1.25), tied for 18th in opponent batting average (.244) and tied for 17th in strikeouts (266)

This past offseason, they invested heavily in the rotation, signing Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million) and Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) in free agency. Unfortunately, each of those additions, alongside Bowden Francis, Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios, is on the injured list.

The Blue Jays' injury trouble, along with their hopes to make another World Series appearance, has made them a potential trade suitor for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. However, The Athletic's Jim Bowden reports that it isn't a likely scenario before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

"The Jays will be involved, but I just don't see them offering a prospect package that would satisfy the Tigers, so I think it's unlikely he ends up here," Bowden wrote.

He also ranked the seven best fits for Skubal, putting Toronto in last place. While recovering from left elbow surgery, the two-time Cy Young Award winner will be throwing a sim game on Monday with hopes of a June return, according to MLive Media Group's Evan Woodbery.

Since 2024, the lefty has been dominant. In 69 starts, he has posted a 2.34 ERA, 177 ERA+ and .910 WHIP and 430.2 innings pitched. He has allowed an opponent slash line of .203/.245/.318 with a .561 OPS.

It's expected to become a bidding war for the 29-year-old despite him hitting free agency after the 2026 season. While the Blue Jays could use a boost to the starting rotation, they may be more interested in holding onto their top prospects.

Related: Pedro Martinez Sends Message to ‘Spoiled' Yankees Fans Amid Injury Concerns

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:22 AM.