As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for a pivotal weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals, manager John Schneider offered a measured take on the club’s uncertain direction ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Sitting at 50-59 and 5.5 games out of the final American League Wild Card spot, the Blue Jays find themselves in a far different position than the clear sellers they were a year ago or the buyers they became in other recent seasons.
Schneider made it clear he is not dwelling on what the front office might decide. In comments shared by Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson, the manager said he is trying “not to live in hypotheticals” for now and is focusing solely on the games.
He described this year’s deadline as more “murky” than 2024 and added, “I haven’t been told by anyone above me that we’re selling.”
That uncertainty is a bit odd considering the Blue Jays appear to be far from a playoff team right now. Of course, a strong showing against the Cardinals, particularly a sweep at Rogers Centre, could convince general manager Ross Atkins that the team remains close enough to contend and should look for reinforcements.
A poor series, however, would almost certainly tilt the organization toward selling.
Toronto did have a very strong second half last year, which ultimately led to the Blue Jays advancing all the way to the World Series. But things have a different feel this time around.
If the Blue Jays do move into seller mode, the most likely candidates to be dealt are pending free agents Kevin Gausman, George Springer and Daulton Varsho.
The club could also explore offers for controllable pieces such as reliever Jeff Hoffman, who has one year left on his contract, and Tyler Rogers, who remains under team control for two more seasons.
With only a handful of games remaining before the deadline, every result this weekend carries extra weight.
Schneider’s comments suggest the decision has not yet been made, and the next three contests against St. Louis may go a long way toward determining whether Toronto buys, sells or stays relatively quiet as the trade market heats up.
The trade deadline is 6 p.m. ET next Monday.
