The Toronto Blue Jays face tough choices as the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches. Despite two consecutive playoff berths, the team is currently last in the American League East with a 39-46 record. General manager Ross Atkins emphasized the importance of the coming days in determining the team’s direction at the deadline.

The Blue Jays have six key players set to become free agents after this season, with core players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette hitting free agency in 2026. ESPN’s Buster Olney discussed the Blue Jays’ plans for Guerrero and Bichette on TSN1050’s First Up, stressing the urgency of making a decision before the trade deadline to avoid losing their value.

Trading Guerrero and Bichette is a significant decision, as they have been franchise faces since debuting in 2019. Guerrero leads the team with a .298 batting average, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs in 84 games this season. The 25-year-old first baseman is a three-time all-star and finished second in AL MVP voting in 2021. Bichette, who had a career-best .306 batting average last season, has struggled this year with a .231 average, four home runs, and 28 RBIs.

Olney noted that other teams believe the Blue Jays might retool for next year rather than make big moves now. He compared their situation to the Chicago Cubs’ post-2017 World Series, where the anticipated breakout never occurred.

The Blue Jays could make trades involving pitchers Yusei Kikuchi, Trevor Richards, and Yimi Garcia, who are all pending free agents. Veterans Justin Turner, Kevin Kiermaier, and Danny Jansen could also be trade targets for contending teams.

Olney suggested that if the team doesn’t change its core, changes might occur in the front office or coaching staff. He mentioned that, given the season’s disappointment, some expect changes in the Blue Jays organization. Atkins is under contract through 2026, while president Mark Shapiro’s contract runs through 2025, indicating potential shifts in staff if major roster changes don’t happen.

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