It seems the Blue Jays and Dodgers just can’t stay out of each other’s orbit when it comes to blockbuster moves. During the high-stakes 2023–24 MLB offseason, both clubs went head-to-head in the high-profile sweepstakes for Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani. If you remember, Toronto made a legitimate, all-in push that stunned the baseball world. But ultimately, the Dodgers’ unmatched blend of financial firepower, sustained competitiveness, and cultural appeal sealed the deal.
Now, as the 2025 trade deadline looms, the baseball world finds these two heavyweights on a collision course once again. Whether it’s fate or just the way front offices are wired these days, the Blue Jays and Dodgers are reportedly circling the same impact names, setting the stage for yet another high-octane showdown. Coincidence or not, both teams sit atop their respective divisions, locked in on October, and looking to sharpen their rosters for a deep postseason run.
Hence, all signs point to a trade deadline filled with intrigue, and perhaps another Toronto–L.A. power struggle in the making. “After Yimi Garcia and Ryan Burr’s injuries, the Blue Jays expect to add 2 bullpen arms. They have an interest in Emmanuel Clase and Jhoan Duran if he’s available,” MLB insider Hector Gomez shared.
SOURCE: After Yimi García and Ryan Burr injuries the #BlueJays expect to add 2 bullpen arms. They have interest in Emmanuel Clase and Jhoan Duran if he’s available.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 19, 2025
Just recall how we are talking about the Guardians’ reliever Emmanuel Clase being pursued by the Phillies, Mets, and Dodgers. And now, it’s the Blue Jays who have joined the contention.
Well, with Garcia and Burr sidelined, their absences have exposed a lack of depth and reliability in the pen, particularly in the 6th to 8th innings, making it difficult for the team to hold leads and manage high-leverage situations. Remember last month’s 7-1 blowout loss to the White Sox? That really highlighted the Blue Jays’ bullpen struggles. In the game, Spencer Turnbull lasted two innings and put the team in an early hole. Mason Fluharty had a grueling 35-pitch inning, one that not only let the game spiral but also took him out of commission for the rest of the weekend.
In contrast, for the Dodgers, one major issue is unreliable middle relief. After losing out Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen, their bullpen is shaky. This has forced the Dodgers to lean on less experienced or overworked pitchers, leading to blown leads and extended innings. Well, not every time, the offense will save the Dodgers from the close games.
Now, just when these two teams are struggling with their bullpen, Clase has quietly put together another strong season with the Guardians, posting a 2.86 ERA with 44 SOs. Moreover, he’s also racked up 20 saves and has given up just one home run all year, which makes him arguably the most attractive closer available on the market right now.
Now, you know about an impending showdown between the Blue Jays and Dodgers!
The Ohtani saga is probably coming back for the Dodgers
Do you know why Shohei Ohtani still gets booed in Toronto?
Well, Ohtani getting booed in Toronto mainly stems from how his free agency drama unfolded this past offseason. If you remember, Blue Jays fans genuinely believed their team had a real shot at signing him in 2023. And for a brief moment, it seemed like a deal was imminent, until it all fell apart.
One of the biggest triggers was the now-infamous fake flight incident. In December 2023, rumors spread that Ohtani was flying to Toronto to finalize a deal with the Blue Jays. A private jet landing at Pearson Airport sent fans and media into a frenzy. Some MLB insiders even reported that the signing was close to done. But as it turned out, Ohtani was never on that plane, and shortly after, he signed with the Dodgers.
You know how the baseball fans take these moments.
So, now that Ohtani is wearing Dodger blue, he represents not only Los Angeles but also a heartbreak for Toronto. That shift from dream signing to elite rival makes it easier for fans to turn their frustration into boos.
Back to the present, the hype surrounding Clase between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays is giving the same vibe as 2023. While we are not certain where Clase will eventually sign, it could be concluded that he will face an Ohtani-like scene from any one of the states. But what if he stays back with the Guardians or signs with any other team?
That’s what baseball is! The best of trade rumors and anticipations.
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