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’s time to strongly consider selling.
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’ll be the case once again, which likely means a busy week ahead.
But while some pending free agents seem likely to be traded, there’s certainly zero need to move controllable players like Louis Varland 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.
As we await clarity on what’s next, here’s a look at who the front office could consider trading and what their value might be:
Tier one: Rentals who’d fit easily on contenders
Kevin Gausman, SP
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $23,000,000
No trade protection: Can’t be traded to the White Sox, Pirates, Brewers, Tigers, Mariners, Mets, A’s or Reds without his permission.
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’t going to give up elite prospects for a rental pitcher this side of Tarik Skubal, but Gausman’s 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.
Daulton Varsho, CF
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $10,750,000
Trade value: While Varsho has taken a step back as far as sprint speed and some defensive metrics, he’s still capable of helping a contender, with the Tigers, Pirates and Phillies all potential fits on paper.
Tier two: Pending free agents, but the fit is more complicated
Shane Bieber, SP
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $16,000,000
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’s 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’re probably not getting someone’s No. 5 prospect this time, but Bieber’s shown in recent weeks that he can still be a difference-maker, which should lead to inquiries.
George Springer, DH
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $24,166,667
No trade protection: Must approve any deal.
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’s substantial, but the Blue Jays have been willing to eat money in previous years. That doesn’t 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."
Max Scherzer, SP
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $3,000,000
No trade protection: Must approve any deal.
Trade value: Given Scherzer’s performance at the MLB level this year, industry observers expect his trade value would be low. But a deal can’t be ruled out. After all, Scherzer held his own Monday and we’re just nine months removed from him starting Game 7 of the World Series.
Tier three: Controllable players who could move
Jesus Sanchez, OF
Final year under team control: 2027
2026 salary: $6,800,000
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.
Myles Straw, OF
Final year under team control: 2027 or 2028 (club option)
2026 salary: $7,400,000 (some of which is covered by the Guardians)
Trade value: There’s 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’s offering real prospect capital for Straw that’s a conversation worth having.
Jeff Hoffman, RP
Final year under team control: 2027
2026 salary: $12,666,667
Trade value: There’s 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.
Tier four: Available but injured
Patrick Corbin, SP
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $1,000,000
Trade value: A teres major strain has Corbin on the injured list, and he’s expected to spend multiple weeks there. Under those circumstances, a trade doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Yimi Garcia, RP
Final year under team control: 2026
2026 salary: $7,500,000
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.
Tier five: Getting harder to imagine
Nathan Lukes, OF
Final year under team control: 2030
2026 salary: $808,500
Trade value: There’s little reason for the Blue Jays to rush to move Lukes, a complete player who holds his own defensively.
Tyler Rogers, RP
Final year under team control: 2028
2026 salary: $8,666,666
Trade value: Rogers would help any contender’s bullpen, but with two years remaining on his contract, some rival teams expect the Blue Jays won’t move him.
Louis Varland, RP
Final year under team control: 2030
2026 salary: $821,500
Trade value: In theory, Varland would have as much value as anyone on the Blue Jays, with Mason Miller one logical comp for trade value. And granted, relievers are volatile, but the Blue Jays would surely have to be overwhelmed to consider a trade here. After all, they’re not looking to rebuild, and Varland can be a core piece as they look to rebound in 2027 and beyond. It’d be a major surprise if he’s moved.
