Blue Jays could part ways with $63 million starter in trade deadline shocker

The Toronto Blue Jays are 13-15 to start the year and could be headed toward becoming sellers at the trade deadline. They could turn some of their starting pitchers into prospects. 

The Blue Jays have locked Vladimir Guerrero up for the future by giving him a $500 million extension. However, this season could quickly derail. The Blue Jays' offense has struggled, and they may need to start thinking about their future and acquire young players to build around Guerrero.

FanSided's Edward Eng tabbed Chris Bassitt as a player the Blue Jays could trade at this year's trade deadline if they fall out of contention.

"He's compiled a solid 2.62 ERA in six starts along with a 1.17 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings," wrote Eng. "If he's able to maintain those numbers over the course of the season, he could become an attractive trade target for contending teams looking to add to their rotation for the stretch run.

"If the Jays are clearly out of the running for the postseason by the trade deadline rolls around, Bassitt will be a prime candidate to be dealt by Toronto since he's on the last year of his deal."

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Bassitt signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays in 2022. He struggled last season, but a resurgent start to 2025 has brought his trade value back to relevance. He could yield the Blue Jays some prospects on the cusp of the big leagues as they prepare for 14 more years of trying to win with Guerrero.

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