Blue Jays Top 3 Trade Candidates At Deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays were blown out in the first of their three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, and their swoon to the bottom of the American League East Division continued. From first to worst. The Jays are obviously, at this point, a team that must consider a sell-off as we approach the trade deadline in less than two weeks. 

"As much as Toronto doesn't want to chase its (2025) pennant run with a (2026) deadline sale, good organizations recognize that sometimes it's not just your season, and it's best to salvage what you can," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote. 

And with that, we must look at some Jays players that could/should be available at the deadline. And it starts with their expiring contracts—free agents to be. 

Kevin Gausman

Gausman had a great run in Toronto since signing his big five-year, $110M free-agent deal ahead of the 2022 season. But now at age 35, it's pretty certain the Jays will be going in a different direction and he likely won't be back next season. Time to get some nice prospect capital in return for the two-time All-Star. He's having a bit of an off-year, with a 4.33 ERA, but contenders know of his postseason experience, particularly last year when he posted a 2.93 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 30.2 innings (five starts, six appearances) in helping lead the Jays to within a couple of inches of a World Series championship. 

There are plenty of contending teams that could use a veteran, experienced hand like Gausman in their playoff rotations. 

Daulton Varsho 

Varsho, 30, will also be a UFA after the season, as he's reached the end of his team control. The Gold Glove-winning center fielder brings his elite defense in the outfield, and a power-packed bat. But his frequent inability to make contact, and to strike out, has limited his offense, and this season is no different. He contributed three homers and 10 RBIs in the postseason last year, while batting .227. Pretty par for the course for Varsho. But that defense in center can potentially win a game on its own.

George Springer 

Springer's run with the Blue Jays is ending with a thud, as he's batting just .224 with a .694 OPS. But his 2025 season is still fresh in a lot of teams' minds, and if someone out there feels they can re-ignite that 32-homer, .309 season with a .959 OPS, he could be a huge contributor in the playoffs. Last year, he had plenty of heroic postseason moments while batting .284 with four homers, 10 RBIs and an .899 OPS. In fact, he has always played the hero in the playoffs, going back to his many postseason runs with the Houston Astros. In 83 October games total, he has an incredible 23 homers with an .880 OPS. Even at age 35, there will be plenty of contenders who would hope to squeeze out some more of those postseason moments. 

Other names that could be dealt by Toronto include Jeff Hoffman, Shane Bieber, Jesús Sánchez, and Nathan Lukes. It's unlikely they'd deal closer-extraordinaire Louis Varland, but you never know if someone presents them with an offer they simply can't refuse.