Breaking: Blue Jays bolster their bullpen with the Cardinals’ arms available

The Blue Jays are aiming to strengthen their bullpen, and the Cardinals have some attractive options. Toronto had previously been linked to Ryan Helsley, but he’s now with the Mets. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Jays and Cards have also discussed right-hander.

Maton, 32, tends to be overlooked despite strong performance metrics. Since 2020, he’s posted a 3.69 ERA over 322 1/3 innings, with a 27.1% strikeout rate, 9.2% walk rate, and 42.8% ground-ball rate. Statcast data supports his ability to limit hard contact, and he’s been effective in the postseason as well, holding a 2.57 ERA across 28 playoff innings.

 

 

Still, Maton’s market value hasn’t always reflected his performance, likely due to his low-90s velocity. He entered free agency before the 2024 season and signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Rays, but struggled there with a 4.58 ERA.

After a trade to the Mets, he rebounded with a 2.51 ERA. This offseason, he went unsigned until March, when the Cardinals picked him up for $2 million. That signing has paid off—he currently owns a 2.35 ERA in 38 1/3 innings, with a 30.4% strikeout rate, 9.5% walk rate, and a 50.6% ground-ball rate, all while continuing to generate soft contact.

 

 

The Blue Jays are firmly in buyer mode, leading the AL East by four games over the Yankees. Their bullpen ERA of 3.94 ranks middle of the pack. They’ve already brought in Seranthony Domínguez from the Orioles, but are actively seeking further reinforcements.

St. Louis, meanwhile, has shifted to selling after hanging around the playoff race for much of the season. In recent days, they’ve moved Helsley, Erick Fedde, and Steven Matz. With Maton set to hit free agency this winter, he’s likely to be traded as well.

Maton’s affordable salary makes him a good fit for Toronto, especially with the team brushing up against the luxury tax threshold. RosterResource pegs the Blue Jays’ CBT number at $280.6 million—just below the $281 million tier that would trigger draft penalties and steeper tax rates.

 

 

The O’s reportedly included some cash in the Domínguez trade to help Toronto stay under that line. Maton’s remaining salary (about $650K) wouldn’t push them much closer.

Toronto could still pursue other upgrades—including starting pitchers like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, or Mitch Keller—but may prefer deals where salary is offset by the trading club or may offload a contract to stay within tax limits.