Could this five-time MLB All-Star fix the Toronto Blue Jays' hitting problems?

The Toronto Blue Jays are in desperate need of offence in some way, shape, or form, and this five-time MLB All-Star could be the answer.

The Blue Jays have tried just about everything to spark their struggling bats, even bringing out a giant stuffed red dragon, but one insider indicates that the biggest fix could come from a trade.

With the MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan reports that Toronto is among several teams interested in potentially acquiring New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Passan listed Toronto as one of the best fits for the 32-year-old Lindor, a two-time Gold Glove winner at the shortstop position and a consistent on-base threat.

The New York Mets have publicly announced they are having a fire sale when it comes to pretty much everyone on their roster, except Juan Soto, Carson Benge, and a few others.

Lindor missed nearly two months of the 2026 season with a leg injury, but since returning, he has provided a major boost to New York's lineup. In less than a month, he has raised his OPS from .637 to .690, plus four home runs to go along with it.

If Toronto were to make a potential move for Lindor, they would likely have to give up a top prospect (i.e., Arjun Nimmala or JoJo Parker) in addition to a valuable major leaguer.

Sure, it's a steep price, but if Toronto feels there's still a chance to salvage the season, it's a move they'll need to make given the circumstances.

Toronto currently ranks dead last in the MLB when it comes to runs scored, and adding a player like Lindor would immediately give a boost.

On a recent episode of Sportsnet's Blair & Barker podcast, Passan said he expects Toronto to at least make a call about what it would take to acquire Lindor, especially given the history between Lindor and the Blue Jays' front office.

Lindor spent nearly a decade in the Cleveland Guardians organization before being traded to the Mets for current Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez, meaning he would be familiar with president Mark Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins day-to-day operations.

Should the Blue Jays be in on Francisco Lindor?
@JeffPassan joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to assess the Mets shortstop's potential fit in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/2hyX0bKEVY

— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) July 17, 2026

However, with both the Mets and Blue Jays sitting well below .500, Passan said the chances of a deal happening before the deadline are unlikely. He estimated a 15 per cent chance that Lindor is traded before Aug. 3 and suggested that an offseason move was more likely.

Lindor is currently in the fifth year of his 10-year, $341-million contract. If Toronto ended up acquiring him, the Blue Jays would have control through the 2031 season.

A long-term addition like that would also align with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is under contract with Toronto through 2039.

But given where the Blue Jays currently sit, making a massive move for Lindor would feel like pushing all-in with a poker hand of two and seven, off suit.

Yes, there's a chance to bounce back and win, but the odds are certainly not in their favour.