The Toronto Blue Jays are staring down a July deadline that looks a lot different than the last few years. They’re six games out of the AL Wild Card but there are six teams ahead of them and most of those clubs aren’t going anywhere. So the front office is at least listening.
Blue Jays insider Mitch Bannon put together five proposed trades that would move some familiar names out of town for prospects and younger pieces. Not all of them make sense for every reason but they give you a feel for what Toronto might actually be considering.
The Kevin Gausman to Chicago Cubs Scenario
Bannon floated sending Kevin Gausman to Chicago for minor league pitcher Brooks Caple and outfielder Brett Bateman. Gausman has an eight-team no-trade list though and he’s been pretty open about loving life in Toronto. His family’s happy there. He might even sign an extension. But if they do move the 35-year-old righty they need to get it right. Caple is a prospect with upside and Bateman can play. It’s not a slam dunk either way.
Jeff Hoffman and Daulton Varsho to the Phillies
This one feels more immediate. Bannon has the Jays sending Jeff Hoffman and Daulton Varsho to Philadelphia for Justin Crawford who is already in the majors. Varsho gives the Phillies a real center field upgrade and Hoffman is another strikeout arm for the back of a bullpen that could use it. Crawford is young and raw but the upside is obvious.
Sean Keys for Brenton Doyle with Colorado
The Rockies and Jays could line up on a deal that sends Sean Keys to Colorado for Brenton Doyle. Just because Toronto sells doesn’t mean they can’t also bring back big league talent. Doyle compares favorably to Varsho defensively and he can hit 15 homers and steal 20 bags when healthy. That kind of player helps a team trying to stay competitive in the short term.
George Springer Back to the Northeast
George Springer to the Boston Red Sox for lefty prospect Jojo Ingrassia has some narrative juice. Springer grew up two hours from Fenway Park. But he also has 10-and-5 rights meaning he can block any trade. The 36-year-old still has postseason experience and power potential so the Jays could get a real prospect back. Whether he waives his veto is another question entirely.
Shane Bieber to Tampa Bay
Shane Bieber to the Rays for Ryan Vilade and Joe Boyle feels like a low-risk move. If Bieber strings together a few more quality starts his value goes up. Vilade can play multiple positions and Boyle is a pitching prospect who might help in 2027. The Jays wouldn’t be selling the farm for either guy but both could stick.
None of these are done deals. Some might not even get serious conversations started. But they show what a Blue Jays fire sale could actually look like if the front office decides to pull the trigger.
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