The Toronto Blue Jays’ trade deadline outlook seems to change day by day, and we’re still two-and-a-half months from decision time.
Thankfully, the Blue Jays don’t have to sit through Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade rumors anymore now that the superstar is locked in on a 14-year, $500 million extension. But Toronto still has plenty of players to sell if they can’t get themselves above .500 by July.
How far would Toronto have to be under .500 to consider selling, though, in such a mediocre American League playoff picture? One might reasonably think they would cling to their postseason hopes as long as possible, given how much money has been invested into this roster.
However, one baseball insider believes the Blue Jays could also be somewhat eager to take advantage of a seller’s market.
On Monday, Buster Olney of ESPN named Toronto as a possible “opportunistic” seller at this year’s deadline, considering all the star players they have on contracts that expire either this year or next year. He singled out former All-Star pitcher Chris Bassitt in particular.
“Now that they’ve signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to anchor their team for a long time, they could look at the best ways to shape a future around him, and weigh offers for players such as Chris Bassitt,” Olney wrote of the Blue Jays.
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Bassitt, 36, has a 3.35 ERA through eight starts, so he’d be a useful veteran for teams looking for a rental. Shortstop Bo Bichette is also a rental, and the Blue Jays could even look into trading two-time All-Star starting pitcher Kevin Gausman with a year and a half left on his deal.
There’s a lot still up in the air for the Blue Jays, but they can remove all doubt if they turn this four-game winning streak into an extended hot stretch.
If the worst-case scenario is rebuilding a depleted farm system using players unlikely to re-sign this winter, though, it’s not the end of the world.
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