Blue Jays explore trade possibilities
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly considering trading several players as the trade deadline approaches, with the team currently positioned in the AFC East. General manager Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro are looking at various options to potentially reshape the roster. The team’s performance has been below its 2025-26 American League Champion level, prompting discussions about becoming sellers.
Among the players being considered for trades, starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is in the final year of a five-year, $110 million contract. While he posted a 3.48 ERA over his first four seasons with the Blue Jays, his current ERA stands at 4.51 as of July 24, 2026. Despite this, his playoff experience and ability to add depth could make him an attractive option for contending teams.
Another starting pitcher, Shane Bieber, has shown recent improvements, allowing two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, with his ERA steadily declining since June. He is currently in the latter half of a two-year, $26 million contract. Bieber‘s career achievements include a Gold Glove, a Cy Young award, and an All-Star Game MVP, which could make him a promising target for postseason-bound teams.
Outfielder Daulton Varsho is also a potential trade candidate, set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season. He is playing on a one-year, $10.75 million deal. Varsho is recognized as a Gold Glove winner and could offer a strong defensive presence to any roster. His offensive performance has seen a drop in his slugging percentage from 2025 to 2026, though his on-base percentage is at its highest since 2022.
Offensive and defensive considerations
Designated hitter and outfielder George Springer is another player whose future with the team is being evaluated. While he is primarily a designated hitter, he can still make occasional starts in the outfield. Springer‘s bat showed resurgence last season after moving to DH, including a .959 OPS and significant playoff hits. However, his current season includes a .703 OPS and a 0.1 WAR, along with a $24.1 million salary in 2026, which could present challenges in a trade. Despite this, his recent performance in July, hitting .286/.342/.514, and his extensive playoff experience might still appeal to teams in need of a bat.
Center fielder Myles Straw, a Gold Glove winner, is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with a club option for 2027 at $8 million. He is known for his defense-first approach and typically bats at the bottom of the order. While his defense is a key asset, his 2026 OPS stands at .589. His reverse-splits indicate a better batting average against right-handed pitchers.
The Blue Jays are not in a position to acquire top prospects for all their players, as they lack a player like Tarik Skubal who would command a very high price. However, they are exploring options to acquire players who could contribute to the team in 2027 and beyond, aiming for a return to contention after a challenging year. This strategy involves not only restocking the prospect cupboard but also targeting players with proven MLB experience.
Potential acquisitions and strategic moves
The team is also looking into potential acquisitions that could strengthen the roster for future seasons. One such player is pitcher Mitch Keller, who has a 4.90 ERA in 2026, though his 4.38 FIP suggests some unluckiness. He is on track to make 30 starts for the fourth consecutive season and carries a luxury tax hit of $15.4 million annually through 2028. A potential deal involving sending Jeff Hoffman to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Keller could benefit both teams, with the Pirates gaining a late-inning reliever and shedding salary, while the Blue Jays would acquire a reliable back-end starter under team control.
Another pitcher the Blue Jays could target is Luis Castillo, especially if the Seattle Mariners are looking to manage their payroll. Castillo is set to earn $22.75 million in 2026. A trade involving Hoffman for Castillo could also be a possibility, particularly if the Mariners are open to moving a starting pitcher for a back-end reliever or a right-handed batter. The Blue Jays currently have Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce penciled into their rotation for 2027.
The Blue Jays are also considering young talent like Matt Shaw, who has shown flashes at the plate and defensive versatility despite being on the injured list at Triple-A. A swap involving Shaw for Kevin Gausman could be beneficial, providing the Cubs with a playoff-caliber pitcher and the Blue Jays with a versatile young player for the future. Relief pitcher Yimi Garcia and starter Max Scherzer are also in the final year of their deals, but injuries have limited their availability, making returns for them less likely. The team’s overall lack of production has led them to a seller’s position, meaning trade returns may not be substantial.
The Blue Jays‘ strategy aims to get what they can for players not expected to be with the team next year, while also seeking pieces that can enhance their competitive floor. The team is not in a complete sell-off, as there is a belief that the core can be competitive again in 2027 with some adjustments and increased production from players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk. The team could also benefit from improved health across the roster.
Source: bluebirdbanter.com
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
