The Toronto Blue Jays enter the 2025 season. They are looking to rebound from a disappointing 74-88 record in 2024. This record left them 20 games out of first place in the AL East . To achieve their goal of returning to the postseason, the front office is exploring avenues for upgrading the roster. One area of focus is third base. While Ernie Clement, the primary third baseman in 2024, provided Gold Glove-caliber defense, his offensive production leaves room for improvement. This blog post will explore trade targets who could offer the Blue Jays a more potent bat at third base. It will also examine the financial implications of such a move. 

Current Third Base Situation

Entering 2025, the Blue Jays have a few different options at third base. Ernie Clement emerged as the starter in 2024, appearing in 96 games at the position . He was a finalist for the Gold Glove award. This demonstrated his defensive value with 10 Defensive Runs Saved. He also achieved 3 Outs Above Average. Offensively, Clement slashed .263/.284/.408 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs. While these numbers are respectable, the Blue Jays could benefit from a third baseman with more offensive firepower.  

Another internal option is Addison Barger, who played 36 games at third base in 2024. Barger, a former top prospect, showed flashes of power and potential in his first big league season. However, he needs to improve his consistency at the plate.

The Blue Jays could also consider moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back to third base . Guerrero Jr. primarily played first base in 2024. However, he has experience at third base. He could potentially provide an offensive boost at the position. However, such a move would create a void at first base and potentially disrupt the team’s defensive alignment.  

Payroll Flexibility

Before diving into potential trade targets, it’s essential to consider the Blue Jays’ payroll situation. The team has several large contracts on the books, including George Springer, José Berríos, and Kevin Gausman . They also have several key players approaching free agency, such as Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. These financial commitments could limit their ability to take on a significant contract in a trade. The Blue Jays have shown they will spend money to improve the team. It’s possible they would absorb a large contract for the right player.  

Potential Trade Targets

Several talented third basemen in the MLB could potentially be available via trade. Let’s take a closer look at three potential targets:

José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)

Offensive Profile

José Ramírez is arguably the best all-around third baseman in baseball. Since 2016, only Mookie Betts and Mike Trout have accumulated a higher fWAR. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in offensive categories and provides Gold Glove-caliber defense. In 2024, Ramírez hit .279 with 39 home runs, 118 RBIs, and an impressive 41 stolen bases . His ability to hit for average would be a significant upgrade for the Blue Jays. He gets on base often. Additionally, his power hitting is remarkable. Furthermore, his speed would add a dimension to their offense that they currently lack. Ramírez’s 41 stolen bases in 2024 were more than double the Blue Jays’ team leader (Whit Merrifield with 18).  

Defensive Skills

Ramírez is an elite defender at third base. He has won three Silver Slugger awards and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in defensive metrics. His presence would solidify the Blue Jays’ infield defense and provide stability on the left side of the diamond.

Contract Situation

Ramírez is under contract with the Guardians through the 2028 season with a 7-year, $141 million deal. This contract is relatively team-friendly considering his performance, making him an even more attractive trade target.  

Trade Outlook

Ramírez’s trade value is exceptionally high due to his performance and team-friendly contract. He currently ranks first among third basemen and fourth overall in trade value. However, acquiring him would require a substantial package of prospects and/or major league players. The Guardians might also be reluctant to trade him to the AL East, making a deal even more challenging.  

The Blue Jays would need to carefully weigh the potential long-term cost against the immediate impact he would provide.  

Manny Machado (San Diego Padres)

Offensive Profile

Manny Machado is a six-time All-Star. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner. He consistently ranks among the top third basemen in the league. In 2024, he hit .275 with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs. Machado is a consistent run producer with a knack for hitting in clutch situations. He would provide the Blue Jays with a reliable middle-of-the-order bat and a veteran presence in the lineup.  

Defensive Skills

Machado is a Gold Glove-caliber defender at third base. He has consistently ranked among the league leaders in defensive metrics and is known for his strong arm and range. His presence would solidify the Blue Jays’ infield defense and provide stability on the left side of the diamond.

Contract Situation

Machado is under contract with the Padres through the 2033 season with an 11-year, $350 million deal . This is one of the largest contracts in MLB history. It could make it challenging for the Blue Jays to acquire him.  

Trade Outlook

Machado’s trade value is high, but his massive contract could make it challenging to acquire him. He currently ranks third among third basemen in trade value. The Padres might be more open to moving Machado because of his large contract. They desire to create financial flexibility.  

Acquiring Machado would likely require a significant package of prospects and/or major league players. The Blue Jays would need to carefully evaluate the long-term financial implications. They must determine if Machado’s production justifies the cost.

Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox)

Offensive Profile

Rafael Devers is a three-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger winner. He is one of the most feared hitters in the league. In 2024, he hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs. Devers is a pure hitter with exceptional power and the ability to hit for average. He would provide the Blue Jays with a middle-of-the-order bat and a potential offensive centerpiece for years to come.  

Defensive Skills

Devers’s defense has been a concern throughout his career. He has consistently ranked among the league’s worst defensive third basemen in terms of errors and defensive metrics. This could be a significant drawback for the Blue Jays, who prioritize defense.  

Contract Situation

Devers is under contract with the Red Sox through the 2033 season with a 10-year, $313.5 million deal. This is a significant financial commitment, which could make it challenging for the Blue Jays to acquire him.  

Trade Outlook

Devers’s trade value is high. However, his large contract and the Red Sox’s reluctance to trade him could make a deal difficult. He currently ranks second among third basemen in trade value . However, if the Red Sox decide to retool their roster, they might be more open to moving Devers. The recent signing of Alex Bregman to Boston might make a Bregman more realistic but only time will tell.

Acquiring Devers would likely require a substantial package of prospects and/or major league players. The Blue Jays would need to carefully evaluate the long-term financial implications of such a move. They must determine if Devers’s offensive production outweighs his defensive liabilities.

Other Potential Trade Targets

Ramírez, Machado, and Devers are the most prominent names potentially available. However, the Blue Jays could also explore trades for other talented third basemen. Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles is a rising star. He had a breakout season in 2024. He earned his first All-Star selection. Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is another young player with immense potential. He could be a valuable addition to the Blue Jays’ lineup. Now, listen closely. I highly doubt that the Reds would be willing to part with Elly De La Cruz. It would not be for any cost.

Comparing the Options

Player	Team	Contract Status	Offensive Profile	Defensive Skills	Trade Outlook
José Ramírez	Cleveland Guardians	Signed through 2028	Elite hitter with power and speed	Gold Glove-caliber defense	High trade cost, may be unavailable
Manny Machado	San Diego Padres	Signed through 2033	Consistent run producer	Gold Glove-caliber defense	High trade cost, massive contract
Rafael Devers	Boston Red Sox	Signed through 2033	Elite hitter with exceptional power	Below-average defense	High trade cost, large contract
Jordan Westburg	Baltimore Orioles	Pre-arbitration	Rising star with potential	Solid defender	Moderate trade cost
Elly De La Cruz	Cincinnati Reds	Pre-arbitration	High-ceiling prospect	Developing defender	Moderate trade cost

Conclusion

The Toronto Blue Jays have several options to improve at third base. Trading for a star player like José Ramírez, Manny Machado, or Rafael Devers would significantly bolster their lineup. However, this would come at a high cost in terms of prospects and/or financial commitment. Exploring trades for younger players like Jordan Westburg could offer new talent. Acquiring Elly De La Cruz could ensure affordability.

The Blue Jays’ decision will depend on their willingness to part with young talent. Their payroll flexibility will also play a role. Additionally, they need to assess each player’s long-term value. The team wants to contend in the AL East. Given their current roster, acquiring a player like Ramírez is appealing. He can make an immediate impact. However, the front office must carefully consider the costs of each potential move. They must also evaluate the benefits to ensure they make the best decision for the team’s present. It’s important for the team’s future as well. Sources and related content