The Toronto Blue Jays could be making significant changes at this month’s trade deadline.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported on Monday that the Blue Jays are expected to trade four players before the July 30 deadline: pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, catcher Danny Jansen, and designated hitter Justin Turner.
Nightengale also mentioned that Toronto will consider offers for pitchers Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. However, the team’s two most intriguing trade assets, shortstop Bo Bichette and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., are “highly unlikely” to be traded, which marks a slight change from recent speculations about the duo.
Among the four players likely to be traded, Kikuchi stands out as the most appealing, being a former MLB All-Star with a solid 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings this year, despite a 4.54 ERA. Kiermaier, a four-time Gold Glove winner, Jansen, a power-hitting catcher, and Turner, a two-time All-Star who is slowing down at 39, also hold some interest. All four players will become free agents after the season, which likely influences Toronto’s decision.
With a 45-54 record, the Blue Jays are at the bottom of a highly competitive AL East division. Consequently, they may adopt a seller’s approach at the trade deadline, though other considerations may also be at play.