TORONTO – The Blue Jays had a chance to get back into contention after the All-Star break, but instead they opened the second half with three series losses in a row and their playoff odds are now a season-low 5.9 per cent. Under those circumstances, it\u2019s time to strongly consider selling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 10 years as Blue Jays GM, Ross Atkins has always completed at least three trades in the 10-day window preceding the deadline. With a number of intriguing trade candidates on the 2026 roster, it stands to reason that\u2019ll be the case once again, which likely means a busy week ahead.<\/p>\n
But while some pending free agents seem likely to be traded, there\u2019s certainly zero need to move controllable players like Louis Varland<\/a> and Ernie Clement, and under the right circumstances this could even be a chance for the Toronto front office to buy and sell at the same time.<\/p>\n As we await clarity on what\u2019s next, here\u2019s a look at who the front office could consider trading and what their value might be:<\/p>\n Tier one: Rentals who\u2019d fit easily on contenders<\/p>\n Kevin Gausman<\/a>, SP No trade protection: Can\u2019t be traded to the White Sox, Pirates, Brewers, Tigers, Mariners, Mets, A\u2019s or Reds without his permission.<\/p>\n Trade value: In recent years, rental starters like Dustin May, Merrill Kelly, Zack Littell, Adrian Houser, Yusei Kikuchi, Jack Flaherty and Frankie Montas have all been traded for multiple prospects. Teams aren\u2019t going to give up elite prospects for a rental pitcher this side of Tarik Skubal, but Gausman\u2019s at least as talented as the aforementioned group, so this should be a chance to add a couple of interesting minor-leaguers to the farm system.<\/p>\n Daulton Varsho<\/a>, CF Trade value: While Varsho has taken a step back as far as sprint speed and some defensive metrics, he\u2019s still capable of helping a contender, with the Tigers, Pirates and Phillies all potential fits on paper.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tier two: Pending free agents, but the fit is more complicated<\/p>\n Shane Bieber<\/a>, SP Trade value: Teams will presumably have questions after an uncharacteristically poor start Tuesday in which Bieber walked six without escaping the first inning. But before that, he looks as good as he\u2019s looked all year with back-to-back quality starts against the White Sox and Rays. A year ago, the Blue Jays gave up their No. 5 prospect to acquire him from Cleveland. They\u2019re probably not getting someone\u2019s No. 5 prospect this time, but Bieber\u2019s shown in recent weeks that he can still be a difference-maker, which should lead to inquiries.<\/p>\n George Springer<\/a>, DH No trade protection: Must approve any deal.<\/p>\n Trade value: A few factors complicate the possibility of a Springer deal. For one, he has ten and five rights, allowing him to block any deal. His salary\u2019s substantial, but the Blue Jays have been willing to eat money in previous years. That doesn\u2019t make the positional fit easier, though. Springer has played just one game in the outfield this year, perhaps limiting his market to teams that need a DH or bench bat. On paper, the Red Sox are one interesting possibility, especially after losing Curtis Mead, who was supposed to be their big right-handed addition. Speaking in general terms about Boston over the weekend, the Connecticut native acknowledged how much he enjoys playing at Fenway Park. “I always think it’s cool. I always think it’s special.”<\/p>\n Max Scherzer, SP No trade protection: Must approve any deal.<\/p>\n Trade value: Given Scherzer\u2019s performance at the MLB level this year, industry observers expect his trade value would be low. But a deal can\u2019t be ruled out. After all, Scherzer held his own Monday and we\u2019re just nine months removed from him starting Game 7 of the World Series.<\/p>\n Tier three: Controllable players who could move<\/p>\n Jesus Sanchez, OF Trade value: With another raise coming this winter, Sanchez may well be a non-tender candidate by the off-season. But his power is real and his career .778 OPS against right-handed pitching makes him an easy platoon candidate. If a buyer comes calling it stands to reason the Blue Jays will listen.<\/p>\n Myles Straw<\/a>, OF Trade value: There\u2019s no need for the Blue Jays to move Straw, but if a contender wanted a speed and defence bench outfielder who bats from the right side, he could have appeal. And if someone\u2019s offering real prospect capital for Straw that\u2019s a conversation worth having.<\/p>\n Jeff Hoffman, RP Trade value: There\u2019s a lot to like here as Hoffman can still miss bats with three pitches in the late innings. Still, not every team can take on that salary for a reliever and the Blue Jays can always just hold on and make him a part of their 2027 bullpen. On paper, the Phillies are one intriguing match.<\/p>\n Tier four: Available but injured<\/p>\n Patrick Corbin<\/a>, SP Trade value: A teres major strain has Corbin on the injured list, and he\u2019s expected to spend multiple weeks there. Under those circumstances, a trade doesn\u2019t make a ton of sense.<\/p>\n Yimi Garcia, RP Trade value: The right-hander experienced another setback while rehabbing his way back from an elbow injury, putting his timeline to the big leagues in question. It appears likely he finishes the season with the Blue Jays.<\/p>\n Tier five: Getting harder to imagine<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $23,000,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $10,750,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $16,000,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $24,166,667<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $3,000,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2027
2026 salary: $6,800,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2027 or 2028 (club option)
2026 salary: $7,400,000 (some of which is covered by the Guardians)<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2027
2026 salary: $12,666,667<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $1,000,000<\/p>\n
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $7,500,000<\/p>\n