Last season, the Toronto Blue Jays ended the Seattle Mariners season in demoralizing fashion, beating the M's in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series -- a series that the Mariners once led 2-0 and 3-2.

But in 2026, could the Blue Jays actually help the Mariners get back to that same point via the trade market?

It's certainly possible. 

Toronto has been built to win the World Series itself, but thus far, they've underwhelmed, going 42-49 through 91 games. The Mariners just beat them in two-of-three at T-Mobile Park over the holiday weekend.

Toronto is just 3.5 games back in the battle for the third and final wild card spot, so there is no guarantee that they actually sell at the trade deadline, but if they do? The Mariners should have them on speed dial for at least a conversation.

While the M's don't necessarily need another outfield/DH type, they could at least inquire about veteran playoff hero George Springer, who could help them in their issues against left-handed pitching, but the real answer might just be reliever Jeff Hoffman.

Like Mariners closer Andres Munoz, Hoffman has had some down moments this season, and he's been replaced as the Jays closer by Louis Varland, making him more expendable on their end.

That said, he has 62 strikeouts in 38.2 innings, showcasing the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that teams salivate for in playoff bullpens. That profile doesn't grow on trees, and it's assumed he can be even better in the comfortable pitching environment of T-Mobile Park. He also has playoff experience with both the Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.

If Hoffman were in Seattle, he'd pair with Munoz, Gabe Speier, Jose Ferrer and Matt Brash to make up the kind of bullpen that could win in October. Furthermore, Hoffman is under contract through 2027, meaning he'd give the M's more than just season to contend - presuming we have a 2027 season in the world of labor disputes.

He's making $11 million a year, so if that 2027 season gets played in full, he's certainly not cheap, but it's the kind of move that the Mariners should be looking to make if they really want to make a meaningful run at the World Series.

Of course, it's fair to acknowledge that Hoffman gave up the game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series a season ago, and he also suffered two losses in the 2024 NLDS, meaning he has playoff demons that could scare the Mariners off - especially at that price.

But if the M's aren't worried about that history, the stuff is real, and it's worth making a call on. And if it's not him, it needs to be somebody else like him, because the M's do need a better bullpen if they want to play deep into October again.

The latest edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast is now out, and it features former Mariners' 3B Ben Williamson. You can listen here, or you can watch the YouTube player below.

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