Blue Jays Linked to Trade for Athletics' All-Star Pitcher After Ponce Injury

Toronto looking to bolster rotation after losing Cody Ponce to injury to start the season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With Cody Ponce out due to injury, the Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to a potential trade for Oakland Athletics All-Star right-handed pitcher Luis Severino. The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries to begin the 2026 season, and adding Severino could help stabilize their pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays entered the season with high expectations for their starting rotation, but the injury to Ponce has left a hole that needs to be filled. Acquiring an All-Star caliber pitcher like Severino could be a key move to help the Blue Jays contend in the competitive AL East division.

The details

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer reported that the Blue Jays are a potential landing spot for Severino, who is under contract for the 2026 season with a player option for 2027. The Athletics have been open to moving Severino, who posted a 4.54 ERA last year, as they look to lock up their young core ahead of a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.

  • Cody Ponce was injured at the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Luis Severino

An All-Star right-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who is under contract for the 2026 season with a player option for 2027.

Cody Ponce

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who was injured at the start of the 2026 MLB season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The A's have been busy locking up their best young players ahead of their move to Las Vegas in 2028, but Luis Severino doesn't fit into those plans.”

— Zachary D. Rymer, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Blue Jays will need to determine if the cost of acquiring Severino is worth it, especially with the potential returns of injured starters like Jose Berrios and Shane Bieber later in the season.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries to start the 2026 season, and a trade for Athletics' All-Star pitcher Luis Severino could help stabilize their pitching staff as they look to contend in the AL East.