BREAKING: Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro Targets Dodgers Duo in Bold 2026 Push After Landing Kazuma Okamoto

Toronto Blue Jays fans are buzzing after team president Mark Shapiro delivered yet another blockbuster move. Fresh off the excitement of signing Japanese power hitter Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal, Shapiro has made it clear the front office isn’t done reshaping the roster for another deep postseason run.

The Blue Jays, coming off a heartbreaking World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, have already been aggressive this offseason. Additions like ace Dylan Cease, reliever Tyler Rogers, and Korean standout Cody Ponce have bolstered pitching depth. Okamoto’s arrival adds a proven slugger with over 240 home runs in Japan’s NPB, giving Toronto a versatile corner infielder who can mash left-handed pitching and provide pop in the middle of the order.

But Shapiro’s latest comments have sent shockwaves through the baseball world. In a recent interview, the Blue Jays president revealed the team is actively pursuing trades to bring in top talent from the defending World Series champions—the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shapiro didn’t mince words: the Blue Jays are targeting two specific players from L.A. to fill key gaps and push for a championship in 2026.

The names that left everyone stunned? Outfielder Teoscar Hernández and reliever Evan Phillips.

Hernández, a former Blue Jay himself, has been a consistent power threat in Los Angeles. The 33-year-old right-handed hitter blasted 30+ homers in multiple seasons and provides the kind of veteran presence Toronto craves in the outfield. His familiarity with Rogers Centre and the AL East could make the transition seamless. Sources close to the situation say Toronto sees Hernández as the perfect complement to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the young core, especially with questions lingering about George Springer’s future and Daulton Varsho’s role.

Phillips, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable arms out of the bullpen. The right-hander boasts a filthy slider and has posted sub-3.00 ERAs in recent campaigns while closing games in high-leverage spots. With Toronto’s bullpen needing another high-end setup man or potential closer option behind Chad Green, Phillips represents the kind of swing-and-miss reliever that could lock down late innings during October.

Shapiro’s revelation came during a wide-ranging discussion about the team’s offseason philosophy. “We’re not sitting back after one big splash,” he said. “The Dodgers built a juggernaut, and we respect that. But to get over the hump, we need pieces that fit our window right now. Hernández brings proven power and playoff experience. Phillips gives us another weapon in the ‘pen that can change games. These are the targets that excite us.”

The Dodgers, flush with talent but always looking to manage payroll and roster flexibility, might be open to moving both players if the return is right. Los Angeles has depth in the outfield and bullpen, and acquiring prospects or controllable arms from Toronto’s strong farm system could appeal. Rumors suggest early talks have included packages centered around young pitchers and position-player prospects.

For Blue Jays fans, the idea of Hernández returning home is particularly tantalizing. He spent productive years in Toronto before heading west, and reuniting him with Guerrero Jr. could create one of the most feared right-handed duos in the league. Pair that with Okamoto’s middle-of-the-order thump, and the lineup suddenly looks deeper and more dangerous.

Phillips would address a clear need. Toronto’s relief corps performed admirably in 2025 but lacked consistent late-inning dominance. Adding a pitcher who has thrived in Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly environment could translate even better to Rogers Centre.

The timing feels urgent. With the AL East arms race heating up—New York, Baltimore, and Boston all making moves—Shapiro knows Toronto must stay aggressive. The Blue Jays enter 2026 with payroll flexibility and a championship-caliber core. Landing these two Dodgers stars would signal they’re all-in on reclaiming the pennant.

Of course, trades this caliber rarely happen quickly. The Dodgers will demand significant value, and competing offers could emerge. But Shapiro’s public naming of the targets has shifted the narrative. No more vague “we’re exploring options”—this is targeted, bold, and unapologetic.

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Toronto’s front office. Will they pull off the double-dip from L.A.? Can they convince the Dodgers to part with Hernández and Phillips? One thing is certain: Mark Shapiro isn’t done building. After bringing in Okamoto and setting his sights on these two shockers, the Blue Jays are positioning themselves as the team to beat in the American League.

Fans in Toronto can only dream of what the 2026 roster might look like with this firepower. The offseason drama is far from over—and it’s getting more exciting by the day.