Blue Jays Predicted to Acquire 28-Year-Old Astros Flamethrower

Toronto insider forecasts team will target Houston reliever Bryan Abreu at trade deadline

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:24pm

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According to a report from Blue Jays beat writer Mitch Bannon, the Toronto Blue Jays are predicted to acquire Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Abreu, a 28-year-old fireballer, has been filling in as the Astros' closer while six-time All-Star Josh Hader is on the injured list.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are coming off a World Series appearance and are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, looking to bolster their bullpen. Abreu would provide Toronto with a high-leverage arm with a big fastball and significant swing-and-miss ability, which the team currently lacks.

The details

Bannon noted that if the Jays need a top reliever at the deadline, the pending free agent Abreu may be the top option available. Last season, Abreu posted a 2.28 ERA and struck out 105 batters in 71 innings, ranking in the 99th percentile in whiff rate, 98th percentile in strikeout rate, and 94th percentile in breaking ball run value.

  • The 2026 MLB trade deadline is in late July.

The players

Bryan Abreu

A 28-year-old relief pitcher for the Houston Astros who has been filling in as the team's closer while Josh Hader is injured.

Mitch Bannon

A Blue Jays beat writer for The Athletic who predicted the team will acquire Abreu at the trade deadline.

Josh Hader

A six-time MLB All-Star relief pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“Toronto will roster some intriguing options in the bullpen, but the group lacks big fastballs and significant swing-and-miss. Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu brings both.”

— Mitch Bannon, Blue Jays beat writer

“If the Jays need a high-leverage arm at the trade deadline (and what competitive team doesn't?) Abreu, a pending free agent, may be the top option on the market. After sniffing around the top relievers at last year's deadline, the Jays could make the bullpen splash this summer.”

— Mitch Bannon, Blue Jays beat writer

What’s next

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is in late July, so the Blue Jays will have to wait several months to potentially acquire Abreu from the Astros.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays are expected to be active buyers at the 2026 trade deadline as they look to build on their World Series appearance the previous season. Acquiring a high-leverage reliever like Bryan Abreu from the Astros could be a key move to bolster their bullpen and make another deep playoff run.