The Toronto Blue Jays kicked off the season with their eyes on a World Series run, but as we hit late June, they're sitting at 39-44, which is definitely not where they'd hoped to be. Now, for many teams, this might be a cue to consider selling at the trade deadline.
Yet, given the Blue Jays' recent World Series appearance, it's tough to picture them as sellers. But let's not rule it out entirely.
There's chatter, notably from Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com, that the Blue Jays could part ways with Kevin Gausman by the August 3 trade deadline if their record remains below .500 come late July. It's a scenario that's very much in play, considering their current performance.
So, why might the Blue Jays consider trading Kevin Gausman at the deadline? Well, if they're still struggling by late July, it might be time to shift focus to 2027. This would mean looking to trade some of their pending free agents, including Gausman.
Even though they're under .500, the Blue Jays are still hanging in the postseason race, thanks to a rather lackluster American League. However, if the AL Wild Card race heats up and Toronto continues to falter, they could find themselves in a selling position, with Gausman being a prime asset as we approach August.
Gausman is only locked in for the 2026 season, so trading him isn't out of the question, especially since the team's expectations were sky-high at the season's start. Despite his 4.36 ERA, which isn't his career best, the 35-year-old right-hander could still fetch a decent return from a contender eyeing a playoff push.
Sure, it would be a tough pill to swallow after their World Series run in 2025, but trading Gausman could be a strategic move for the franchise's future. Plus, there's always the chance for the Blue Jays to re-sign him in free agency after the season. This way, they could snag some promising prospects in the trade and potentially bring Gausman back for a stronger contending effort next season.
If the Blue Jays find themselves below .500 in late July, Gausman might just be packing his bags. It makes sense, as his trade value could be more beneficial to the franchise if the season doesn't turn around.
In Other News...
Toronto Just Gave Bo Bichette A Tribute Jays Fans Will Feel
For a few days while the Mets are in Toronto, Bo Bichettes name is getting a very different kind of tribute than a standing ovation at Rogers Centre. Animl Steakhouse has rolled out The Bo Dog, a $126 hot dog built around a wagyu wiener and dressed up with truffle corn relish, butter-poached lobster and seared foie gras, turning a ballpark staple into a high-end nod to a former Blue Jays fan favorite.
The limited-run item is available from June 29 to July 1, which gives Toronto fans a short window to take part in the tribute while Bichette is back in town with his new club. There is also a charitable angle attached to the novelty: all proceeds from sales of The Bo Dog will be donated to Bichettes charity that supports children with disabilities, giving the stunt a little more purpose than just a headline-grabbing menu item. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jays May Be Headed For A Deadline Call Fans Dread
Torontos front office is in the kind of midseason spot no contender wants to occupy, with the standings leaving the Blue Jays weighing whether to stay the course or start thinking ahead. Kevin Gausman sits at the center of that conversation. He is the sort of veteran starter who usually draws attention in July because of his track record and his expiring contract, making him the kind of arm rival clubs check on fast if they believe he might become available.
Nothing has been decided yet, and that matters because Toronto still has time to change the equation. If the Blue Jays can steady themselves and push back into the playoff picture, Gausman would be much easier to keep in place. If the slide continues, though, the deadline could force a choice the organization would rather avoid, with one of its most trusted starters suddenly becoming part of a much bigger long-term discussion. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jays Keep Falling Into A Hole They Can't Afford
The Blue Jays keep digging early holes, and it has become one of the most costly habits in a stretch that already feels too familiar. Toronto has allowed a run in the first inning in seven straight games and has been outscored 14-1 in those frames, a jarring trend for a team that has spent much of the year trying to survive long enough to let its lineup and bullpen settle things down later.
There is still a counterargument for the Jays, because they have found ways to rally often enough to stay afloat, with 20 come-from-behind wins tied for ninth in the majors. But recent series results have put more pressure on every sluggish start, and with another tough test ahead, Toronto cannot keep leaning on recovery mode forever if it wants to stop turning routine nights into uphill climbs. [Read more 🡒]