The Blue Jays allegedly intended to deal 4 players ahead of deadline
The Toronto Blue Jays could be making some sweeping changes at this month’s trade deadline. Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported Monday that the Blue Jays are poised to deal four players ahead of the July 30 deadline – pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, catcher Danny Jansen, and designated hitter Justin Turner.
Nightengale reports that Toronto will also listen to offers on pitchers Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. However, the Blue Jays’ two most attractive trade candidates, shortstop Bo Bichette and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr, are allegedly “highly unlikely” to be sold. That is a slight difference from what we had heard in recent days about the Bichette-Guerrero duo.
As for the Blue Jays’ four likely trade candidates, Kikuchi is perhaps the most intriguing name. He is a former MLB All-Star who is producing a fantastic 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings this year (although with a 4.54 ERA).
Kiermaier (a four-time Gold Glover), Jansen (a strong power bat at the catcher role), and Turner (a two-time All-Star but one who is slowing down a little at 39 years old) carry some excitement as well. All four players will be free agents after the season too, which certainly explains Toronto’s stance.
The Blue Jays are 45-54 this year, which places them at the very bottom of a very stacked AL East division. As a result, they may carry a seller’s mindset into the trade deadline (albeit there is another consideration in play for them here).
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