The defending American League champions are starting to formulate a plan for the fast-approaching Aug. 3 trade deadline.
The Toronto Blue Jays want to be buyers but will be prepared to sell as well, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Blue Jays (45-51) sit last in the AL East entering the second half. Despite being just 2.5 games out of the final wild-card spot, five other clubs remain ahead of them in the playoff race.
Toronto's front office will need to add a bat or two if it decides to buy. The offense ranks 22nd in wRC+, 23rd in homers, 25th in slugging percentage, and 27th in runs. On the pitching front, the Blue Jays should try to add a starter with club control, as Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage are the only locks for the 2027 rotation.
With George Springer, Kevin Gausman, Daulton Varsho, Shane Bieber, Myles Straw, and Max Scherzer all pending free agents, the team could move multiple rentals if it decides to sell.
Toronto has a tough schedule coming out of the All-Star break, starting with seven home games against two division leaders - the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays - before heading on the road to face the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals. Leading into the deadline, the Blue Jays host the St. Louis Cardinals. The combined winning percentage of Toronto's opponents during the stretch is .526.
