During the 2014 off-season, the Toronto Blue Jays pulled a surprising trade with the Oakland Athletics, and sent Brett Lawrie along with prospects Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolin, and Franklin Barreto for star third baseman Josh Donaldson. This was the crowning move of a very busy off-season for the Blue Jays, which saw them bring in Russell Martin and Michael Saunders.
The Blue Jays didn't stop there. Heading into July, the Blue Jays were TIED for 4th place with the Rays, and only sat 1.0 GB behind the 1st place Baltimore Orioles. A week before the trade deadline, the Blue Jays were tied with the Rays at 5.