The Toronto Blue Jays are approaching a critical juncture with the upcoming MLB trade deadline. The team’s playoff odds have reportedly fallen to 5.9 per cent, prompting consideration of selling players. General Manager Ross Atkins has historically completed multiple trades in the 10-day period before the deadline, suggesting a busy week ahead for the team.
While some pending free agents are likely trade candidates, the team is not expected to move controllable players like Louis Varland or Ernie Clement. There is also a possibility the front office could engage in both buying and selling activities simultaneously.
Potential Trade Candidates
Among the players who could be moved, pitcher Kevin Gausman is considered a prominent candidate. He is in the final season of his contract, which includes a salary of $23 million this season. Reports suggest that the return for Gausman could depend on the Blue Jays’ willingness to retain part of his salary. Gausman has a 4.51 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season, with 123 strikeouts over 22 starts. He has earned Cy Young votes in previous seasons with the team.
Gausman’s trade value might be influenced by the availability of other pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller from other teams. Despite his preference to remain with the Blue Jays, Gausman’s next start is scheduled for Saturday, two days before the deadline, and there is a possibility he could be benched if trade negotiations intensify.
Outfielder/designated hitter George Springer is another veteran player in the final year of his contract. While he has faced struggles at the plate this season, his clubhouse presence and past performance in October could make him an interesting trade target for contending teams. Springer has ten and five rights, allowing him to block any deal, and his substantial salary could complicate a move, although the Blue Jays have shown a willingness to absorb money in past trades. He has played only one game in the outfield this year, potentially limiting his market to teams needing a DH or bench bat.
Reliever Louis Varland, who is under team control through 2030, has been one of the league’s top relievers this season, holding a 1.02 ERA and 22 saves over 48 appearances. Trading Varland could fetch a significant return in terms of prospects, as many contending teams are seeking relievers. However, the Blue Jays would likely need to be overwhelmed to consider trading him, as he is viewed as a core piece for the team’s future.
Other Players to Watch
Pitcher Shane Bieber, acquired by the Blue Jays a year ago, could also be a trade chip. Despite a recent poor start where he walked six batters without completing the first inning, he had shown strong form with back-to-back quality starts prior to that outing. Teams are expected to inquire about Bieber, who has demonstrated his ability to be a difference-maker.
Outfielder Daulton Varsho has seen a decline in sprint speed and some defensive metrics but is still considered capable of contributing to a contender. Teams such as the Tigers, Pirates, and Phillies are potential fits for Varsho.
Other players who could be considered for trades include outfielder Jesus Sanchez, who might become a non-tender candidate in the off-season but offers power and strong performance against right-handed pitching. Outfielder Myles Straw, known for his speed and defensive skills, could appeal to contenders looking for a bench outfielder. Reliever Jeff Hoffman, who can still generate swings and misses with three pitches, might also be an option, though his salary could be a factor for some teams.
Players currently on the injured list, such as Corbin due to a teres major strain and Yimi Garcia rehabbing an elbow injury, are less likely to be traded given their recovery timelines. The Blue Jays are not expected to move players like Nathan Lukes or Erik Swanson, with Swanson having two years remaining on his contract.
Market Dynamics and Team Strategy
The Blue Jays currently sit five games back of the final wild-card spot in the American League, with five teams ahead of them. Their offense has been a consistent problem, scoring the fewest runs in the AL and holding the sixth-worst run differential in Major League Baseball. This situation has led to the perception that the Blue Jays are sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
Industry observers expect the team’s sell-off to be smaller than the nine-trade overhaul seen in 2024, with a more realistic expectation of three to five moves. This approach would allow the Blue Jays to recover value from short-term veterans without weakening the core players intended for the 2027 season. Teams are also reportedly wary of taking on significant future salary due to uncertainties in MLB’s economic landscape, which could influence trade discussions.
The trade deadline is set for August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
Source: sportsnet.ca
