Blue Jays’ current standing and trade considerations
The Toronto Blue Jays are currently in a challenging position as the American League regular season progresses, with their postseason aspirations appearing increasingly distant. The team holds a 46-54 record, placing them 5.5 games behind the AL Wild Card and 11.5 games back in the AL East race. This performance has led to speculation that the Blue Jays might become sellers at the upcoming August 3 trade deadline if their fortunes do not improve.
One prominent player who could be involved in trade discussions is starting pitcher Kevin Gausman. Reports indicate a 35% chance that Gausman could be traded by the Blue Jays this summer. This projection comes from ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, who noted that despite no explicit indication from the Blue Jays regarding a trade, the team’s current standing, including having one of the worst records in the American League, makes such a move plausible. Gausman is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, which adds to the rationale for considering a trade.
The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher has a 4.33 ERA this season, with a 4-8 record across 20 starts. He has accumulated 116 strikeouts over 112.1 innings pitched. While a trade might not yield a substantial return, there is anticipated interest from other teams in the All-Star pitcher.
Potential trade candidates ahead of the deadline
The Blue Jays‘ recent series loss against the Chicago White Sox further solidified the team’s precarious position, pushing them closer to a selling stance for the 2026 trade deadline. The team entered the week 4.5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot, while the Boston Red Sox have moved into a playoff position following a winning streak.
Several players are being considered as potential trade candidates, categorized by the likelihood and conditions of their departure:
- Trade no matter what: Daulton Varsho and Shane Bieber are identified as the most evident trade candidates. Both players are on expiring deals and are unlikely to be re-signed. Despite not performing at their usual levels, their defensive reputations and power upside (for Varsho) and pitching ability (for Bieber, particularly after a recent six-scoreless-inning outing) could make them attractive to contending teams.
- Trade at the right price: Kevin Gausman and George Springer fall into this category. For Gausman, the decision to trade him would need to weigh against the possibility of re-signing him for the 2027 season. Springer is in a similar situation, though a re-signing in free agency this offseason appears less likely. Trading a prominent player like Springer would likely require a significant return, unless he explicitly requests a move to a contender.
- Trade if you can: This group includes Jesús Sánchez, Jeff Hoffman, Max Scherzer, and Patrick Corbin. Sánchez is a potential non-tender candidate due to his arbitration projections and the team’s depth in left-handed-hitting outfielders. Any offer for him would likely be considered to recoup value. Hoffman‘s inconsistent performance as a reliever makes him a candidate, though the Blue Jays might need to cover part of his remaining salary to facilitate a deal. For Scherzer and Corbin, who have not performed well and are not expected to be with the team next season, the Blue Jays are likely to accept any offers received.
- Trade if you get blown away: Tyler Rogers is in this category. Despite signing a three-year, $37-million contract in the past winter and having a strong first season, the Blue Jays would consider trading him if a contending team offers an exceptional package, especially if they agree to take on most of his contract. Relievers often command significant prospect hauls at the deadline.
The 35% trade odds for Gausman are not considered high, as the competitive nature of the AL still allows the Blue Jays an opportunity to improve their standing. However, if the team continues to falter in the weeks leading up to the August 3 trade deadline, this percentage is expected to increase.
The Blue Jays face critical decisions in the coming weeks as they assess their path forward in the 2026 season.
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Source: ca.sports.yahoo.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.”
