Blue Jays face difficult trade decisions with Springer, Gausman, and Bieber on expiring deals
With less than two weeks until the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, the Blue Jays must decide whether to deal three veteran pitchers and an aging Springer as their season sits 7 games below .500.
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The Toronto Blue Jays face a pivotal trade deadline with fewer than two weeks to decide the fate of three beloved veterans on expiring contracts. The team sits seven games below .500 and in last place in the AL East—nearly 11 games back of the division lead and 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot.
George Springer, Kevin Gausman, and Shane Bieber are all in the final year of their deals with Toronto and could attract interest from playoff contenders seeking short-term rentals. Springer, 37, already sold his Lawrence Park home and moved temporarily into The Ritz-Carlton. A trade seems unlikely given his no-trade rights and declining production at the plate.
Gausman is viewed as the most tradeable. Despite a 4-8 record this season, the veteran starter ranks among the top 15 AL pitchers in strikeouts and quality starts, and is in the top 10 for innings pitched. Those are exactly the things contenders want down the stretch—reliability and depth in the rotation.
Bieber, 31, presents a trickier equation. He's set to become a free agent this offseason but has missed most of the season recovering from a right forearm/elbow injury. Since returning in late June, he's struggled with a 5.70 ERA and career-worst 4.6 walks per nine innings. The Blue Jays would likely prefer getting something in return for him rather than watching him walk, though his diminished value—a far cry from his 2020 AL Cy Young season—complicates any trade.
The next two weeks will test the front office's willingness to sell and reshape the roster for 2027.
The facts
What is the Blue Jays' record relative to .500?
The Toronto Blue Jays sit seven games below .500.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline is August 3, 2026.
Which Blue Jays player is most likely to be traded?
Kevin Gausman is viewed as the most tradeable. Despite a 4-8 record this season, the veteran starter ranks among the top 15 AL pitchers in strikeouts and quality starts, and is in the top 10 for innings pitched.
Why is Shane Bieber difficult to trade?
Shane Bieber's value has diminished significantly since his 2020 AL Cy Young season. He missed most of the season recovering from a right forearm/elbow injury and has struggled since returning in late June with a 5.70 ERA and career-worst 4.6 walks per nine innings.
