Why Blue Jays could decide to trade Kevin Gausman by MLB deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays are a team that came into the season as a World Series contender, but in late June, they're 39-44 on the year, well under .500

Any other team might be tabbed as a trade deadline seller this summer, but as a team that was in the World Series a year ago, it's hard to imagine them selling this summer. But it's not impossible.

As Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com noted, the Blue Jays could trade away Kevin Gausman by the August 3 trade deadline if the team is under .500 in late July, which, based on their play this season, is very much on the table.

Why Blue Jays might trade Kevin Gausman at deadline

"However, if they still find themselves south of .500 in late July, it could behoove them to start looking ahead to 2027, which would mean shopping their pending free agents," Harrigan writes.

The Blue Jays might be well under .500 right now, but they're still in the postseason hunt thanks to an incredibly weak American League.

However, if the AL Wild Card field begins to improve, and Toronto falters from now until late July, it's possible the Blue Jays could wind up as sellers, with Gausman as the prize at the beginning of August.

Gausman is only under contract for the 2026 season, so trading him would be on the table if the Blue Jays weren't coming into the season with such lofty expectations.

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Even though his 4.36 ERA isn't his best, the 35-year-old right-hander would be able to bring back a good return from a contender at the trade deadline if Toronto sells.

It would sting to sell after making the World Series in 2025, but for the future of the franchise, selling Gausman to a contender might be the best thing for the team,

Besides, the Blue Jays could still sign Gausman in free agency after the season comes to a close, so they get the prospects in the trade package, and also get Gausman back for a more legitimate contending season.

If the Blue Jays wind up below .500 in late July, Harrigan believes Gausman could be on the move. It makes sense, as Gausman would be worth more to the Blue Jays franchise in a trade this season if things fall apart.

More MLB news:

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• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames