The Toronto Blue Jays trade deadline finds them in the graveyard of the AFC East, with six teams to jump to get the final Wild Card spot. Outside of infielder Ernie Clement and starting pitcher Dylan Cease, the roster is performing far below their 2025-26 American League Champion level. With so many teams in front of them, and a down year for most of the roster, it’s time for the team to become sellers. These are the top trade chips for general manager Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro.
Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is entering the final year of a five-year, $110 million deal. Gausman boasted a 3.48 ERA over his first four seasons with the Blue Jays, but has failed to live up to that elite mark in the current one. His 4.51 ERA as of July 24, 2026, is slightly above league-average, so fans may want to temper their expectations. He still adds reliable depth for a contender down the stretch, and has plenty of playoff experience. This may be the biggest blow to the hearts of the hometown faithful, who have grown to adore the right-hander.
George Springer is largely a designated hitter at this point of his career, but can also make spot starts in the field. His bat reemerged after moving to DH last season, including a .959 OPS and clutch playoff hits. The issue comes with this year’s performance, which includes a below-average .703 OPS. His career-worst 0.1 WAR and $24.1 million salary in 2026 could be challenging to move, but Springer is certainly worth taking a flyer on for teams in need of a bat.
At a glance, Shane Bieber’s 4.70 ERA is concerning, but dive deeper. He’s allowed two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, and the ERA has been declining steadily since June. Bieber’s on the latter half of a two-year, $26 million contract. It seems pricey, but if he’s truly found his old form, any contending team would gladly pay it. This is likely the most promising piece for postseason teams looking at Toronto’s roster. Career accomplishments include a Gold Glove, Cy Young, and All-Star Game MVP.
Outfielder Daulton Varsho is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, currently on a one-year $10.75 million deal. Varsho is a Gold Glove winner and would be a steady defensive force for any roster. His offense is more of a question mark, with his SLG dropping .155 points from 2025 to 2026. That said, his .301 OBP is the highest it’s been since 2022, while still a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. An inquiring team would receive a high-end glove along with professional ABs from this piece of the Blue Jays trade deadline.
Outfielder Myles Straw is on the final guaranteed year of his deal, with a 2027 club option for $8 million. This Gold Glove winner is an obvious defense-first guy, but plays at the bottom of any order. Straw’s reverse-splits show a better AVG against righties, but it’s the defense that any suitors would be chasing. His 2026 .589 OPS leaves something to be desired.
Relief pitcher Yimi Garcia and starter Max Scherzer are in the final year of their deals, but injuries have kept them off the field. It’s unrealistic to expect something in return for them, but there’s a glimmer of hope with starting pitcher Patrick Corbin. He’s healthy, and on a team-friendly, one-year $1 million deal, but his 5.51 ERA and 1.54 WHIP may limit him to teams that need depth in the pen.
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That wraps up Toronto’s trade deadline top pieces. Who could have predicted the Jays would drop from first to worst in the AL East? The team’s overall lack of production has painted them into a seller’s corner. Fans beware: their trade chips are either defensive specialists or veterans who require hope. The return isn’t going to be ground-shaking.
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