An industry insider anticipates the Toronto Blue Jays will part with three key members of their roster ahead of the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
Jim Bowden, writing recently for The Athletic, forecast that the club will move pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber along with center fielder Daulton Varsho.
“Yes, I believe they will sell and will trade their expiring contracts, highlighted by pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber and center fielder Daulton Varsho,” Bowden wrote.
The Blue Jays entered the 2026 campaign carrying elevated hopes of contending.Instead, the team has fallen well short of those expectations. Toronto sits alone in last place within the American League East, holding a 49-58 mark.
That standing has positioned the franchise as a likely seller before the trade deadline arrives.
Bowden’s assessment centers on the club’s pending free agents and the opportunity to secure future assets in return.
Gausman stands as a two-time All-Star whose track record continues to draw interest despite recent challenges. He carries a 4-10 record and 4.51 earned-run average this season.
When performing at peak levels, the right-hander remains capable of delivering impactful starts for a contending club.
Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner, offers similar upside for teams seeking rotation reinforcement. The 31-year-old has posted a 2-1 record and 4.70 ERA across six starts. His pedigree suggests he could stabilize a playoff-caliber staff in the second half.
Varsho provides another attractive option for clubs in need of outfield depth and power potential. The 30-year-old has collected seven home runs while batting .244 over 94 games with Toronto. That production follows a 20-homer campaign in only 71 contests the previous year.
His combination of athleticism and recent power surge could appeal to multiple buyers.
Moving these three players would allow the Blue Jays to begin reshaping their roster for future seasons. Pending free-agent status for each increases the likelihood of deals materializing.
Opposing clubs hunting pitching upgrades are expected to monitor Gausman and Bieber closely. Outfield-hungry teams likewise figure to inquire about Varsho’s availability.
The Blue Jays’ disappointing results have shifted their focus from contention to asset accumulation. By dealing the trio, Toronto could obtain prospects or other controllable talent in exchange.
Bowden’s projection aligns with the club’s current trajectory outside the postseason picture.
Whether those specific transactions occur remains to be seen as the deadline approaches. The organization faces decisions that could define its direction beyond this underwhelming year.
