MLB Rumors: Cardinals Closer Emerges As Trade Candidate For Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t exactly hit their stride in 2026, and the bullpen has been a big part of that story. Sitting 12-15 and fourth in the AL East, the offense is flashing life here and there, but the late-game stability just isn’t there yet. Even a 5-2 stretch hasn’t fully covered up the fact that closing games is still a problem.
That’s where the urgency kicks in. Jeff Hoffman has already been pulled from the closer role after struggling badly, and Toronto is clearly scanning the market for answers. The ninth inning feels unsettled, and in a division this tight, that’s not a luxury you can afford for long.
Now the buzz is pointing straight to the St. Louis Cardinals. Per Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy, Cardinals reliever Riley O’Brien has popped up as a legit trade target. McAvoy called him a premium fit for Toronto’s bullpen needs, and the numbers back it up. O’Brien is dealing in 2026 with a 3-1 record, 1.26 ERA, and seven saves across 14 outings. As McAvoy put it:
“O’Brien would be the dream target for the Blue Jays at this moment. He has been the second-best reliever in baseball so far this season, just behind Mason Miller.”
Cardinals go to closer Riley O’Brien in the eighth with runners on second and third, one out.
— Zach Sweet (@by_ZachSweet) April 25, 2026
Mariners counter with their last man off the bench — Connor Joe — and he lines the first pitch into right-center.
Both score. We’re tied 9-9 in the eighth. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/wPL9ao76zT
With the Cardinals in rebuild mode, this is the classic sell-high window. O’Brien’s value is rising fast, and if Toronto really wants a real closer fix. They’ll have to move quickly before the market heats up.
Tough Stretch Could Expose St. Louis Cardinals’ Biggest Weakness
The Cardinals have been fun to watch early in 2026, but the pitching staff is starting to feel like the real pressure point. They’re hanging around games, competing, and showing flashes, yet a tougher stretch is about to test just how far this group can hold up.
That concern comes straight from the rotation. Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, and Kyle Leahy have all taken turns, but none have really locked things down. The consistency just isn’t there, and the strikeout numbers are flat-out bottom tier.
Cardinals starter Andre Pallante took the mound against the Astros, and it summed up the bigger issue. As noted by Matt Smith, St. Louis ranks near the bottom of MLB in strikeouts, walks are piling up, and the ERA sits at 4.70. If things don’t tighten fast, this rotation could be the reason the season slips.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals Closer Emerges As Trade Candidate For Blue Jays
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