Blue Jays navigate seller’s market
The Toronto Blue Jays are positioned as sellers as the trade deadline approaches. The team currently holds the twelfth-best record in the American League, which is also the fourth-worst record in the league. They are 5.5 games behind the third wild-card spot, and among teams within that range, the Blue Jays have the lowest run differential at -60. This performance indicates their standing is a reflection of their play.
General Manager Ross Atkins is expected to pursue trades for players on expiring contracts and potentially others. The current market is characterized by many teams still in playoff contention, with 21 teams within four or fewer games of a playoff spot, creating a seller’s market. This environment could benefit the Blue Jays, as even players who have not performed at their peak this season may still be valuable to other clubs.
Key players potentially on the move
From the starting rotation, Atkins is looking to trade Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer, all of whom are on expiring contracts. Gausman, despite recent struggles, is considered the most attractive of the three. He has more strikeouts than innings pitched and has 56.1 innings of postseason experience with a 3.83 ERA and a .177 opponents’ batting average across 14 games, eight of which were starts. A return of a couple of second-tier prospects is anticipated for Gausman.
Bieber’s recent outing against the Nationals, where he struggled with control, could impact his trade value. Prior to that start, he had two strong performances, allowing one run over 13 innings with two walks and nine strikeouts. His career walks per nine innings rate is 2.10, but this year it stands at 5.17 BB/9. While some teams might be deterred, others may believe he can regain his form. The Blue Jays might receive a second-tier prospect and financial relief from his $16 million salary. Atkins would also consider moving Scherzer, not for prospect return or financial relief, but to facilitate a potential final playoff run for the veteran, though finding a suitor may be challenging.
Several position players who are pending free agents are also drawing interest. Daulton Varsho is attracting attention due to his defensive abilities and power potential from the left side, which could yield a second-tier prospect and possibly a third-tier prospect. George Springer, despite not having a season like 2025, has improved in July. He possesses significant postseason experience, with a career postseason .880 OPS, 23 home runs, and 21 doubles in 83 games. Springer could fit with younger teams in the playoff hunt and might bring back a second-tier prospect or two third-tier prospects. Springer also has the ability to veto any trade.
Myles Straw is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with two option years remaining. While the return for Straw might be minimal, potentially a fringy prospect, teams seeking a solid defensive outfielder for pinch-running or bunting situations could show interest. Jesus Sanchez, currently on a rehab assignment for an ankle sprain, is unlikely to generate significant interest due to his injury and past performance. The best outcome for Sanchez might be a third-tier prospect from a team looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder for a platoon role.
Reliever Jeff Hoffman, under contract for the 2027 season with an $11 million salary, has performed well recently. He had a strong June and a good July. Trading Hoffman could help clear his salary for next season. The team also has Tyler Rogers under contract for two more years, and given the demand for high-leverage relievers, the club could explore offers for both. Hoffman’s recent performance makes him a candidate to be sold high, and the Blue Jays could potentially pay down some salary to facilitate a deal, possibly involving a low-budget team like the Pirates.
Looking beyond selling, the Blue Jays are also expected to seek controllable starters for 2027 and beyond. This could involve exploring options like Reid Detmers or José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels, neither of whom will reach free agency until after 2028. While acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat is desirable, such players do not appear to be available this summer. The team might also consider trading prospects like Sean Keys and Nolan Perry to address specific needs.
Following the trade deadline, manager John Schneider will need to refocus the team. The roster will likely feature new faces, providing opportunities for younger players. The Blue Jays will aim to act as spoilers against contending teams for the remainder of the season.
Potential trade destinations for some players include Gausman to the Cubs, Bieber to the Rangers, Springer to the White Sox, Varsho to the Yankees, and Hoffman to the Nationals. Sanchez and Straw are predicted to remain with the Blue Jays. Other notable trade predictions around the league include Tarik Skubal to the Brewers, Mason Miller to the Yankees, Luis Arraez to the Tampa Bay Rays, Hunter Goodman to the Yankees, and Zach Neto to the Red Sox. Shortstops Francisco Lindor and CJ Abrams, along with pitcher Sandy Alcantara and outfielder Mike Trout, are not expected to be traded.
Source: tsn.ca
