MLB Odds: Will the Toronto Blue Jays be sellers at the trade deadline?
Entering Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays rank near the bottom of the majors in runs scored, slugging percentage, home runs and several other major categories. They sit dead last in the AL East division and they’re 4.5 games back of the final wild-card spot.
What we’re saying is, it’s clear they’re headed towards becoming sellers in the lead up to the trade deadline. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the most likely trade pieces the Jays will move in the hopes of improving the team in the long-term.
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Yusei Kikuchi (+100)
If Toronto is ready to blow this team up, Yusei Kikuchi makes the most sense to move. Kikuchi is playing on an expiring contract and his value has never been higher with how well he has performed in 2024. Through nine starts, the Japanese lefty has posted a career-best 2.60 ERA with 55 strikeouts across 52 innings pitched.
If Kikuchi continues his strong season, he could find himself in the top tier of free agent pitchers available this off-season and the Jays likely won’t be able to afford him. Rather than lose Kikuchi for nothing, doesn’t it make more sense for Toronto to trade him in a season that already looks beyond saving?
Justin Turner (+110)
Justin Turner’s had a bit of an up-and-down season. Prior to his current 1-for-22 slump, the 39-year-old was arguably the Blue Jays’ best hitter. Statistically, Turner still ranks among the top Toronto hitters as he sits third on the team in both RBI (16) and hits (31), while he has the second-best batting average (.246) and he is tied for the second-most home runs (4).
As the oldest position player in MLB this season, Turner was never in Toronto’s long-term plans and if he can break out of his slump he could be a very attractive depth piece for a playoff team. He’s a World Series winner, a former NLCS MVP and he plays some of his best baseball in the playoffs.
Yimi Garcia (+110)
Yimi Garcia has been one of the best relievers in baseball this season. The 33-year-old has a 0.53 ERA with 21 strikeouts and just five walks across 21 innings with a 0.59 WHIP. Those stats make Garcia one of the top pitchers available ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. Garcia is a rental, but he’s a pitcher who could turn a good bullpen into a championship bullpen.
Other contenders
When it comes to moving a key piece of the core, you’re looking at Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and/or Bo Bichette, who have both greatly underperformed this season.
Guerrero hasn’t been able to reach the same level as the 2021 season when he hit a major league-best 48 home runs and finished second in AL MVP voting. With no long-term contract in place and team control running out after next season, the Jays need to make a decision on Guerrero. The Yankees, Twins and Tigers are all reportedly interested in the 25-year-old, so the next two months could determine Guerrero’s future in Toronto.
Bichette has played great over the last few seasons, but that hasn’t been the case in 2024. He is batting .227/.287/.320 (all career-lows) in 39 games and he isn’t hitting for average or power. The 26-year-old is also due for a long-term contract and he’s made it clear he wants to be paid like a shortstop, while the Jays aren’t sold on him at the position. Bichette is still young and he was one of the best hitters in baseball over the last three years, so he could bring in a massive haul for Toronto.
