1 controversial trade Blue Jays should make before 2026 deadline 1 they must avoid

The Blue Jays don’t have to approach the 2026 trade deadline as a full teardown, but they also aren’t in position to empty the farm for short-term help. A hybrid approach makes the most sense: move pieces at peak value, target players who can help beyond this season and keep the 2027 roster in mind.

That makes two popular names especially interesting. Ernie Clement and Louis Varland both have real trade value, but dealing either one would likely frustrate a fan base already reeling from a very disappointing 2026 season.

But those are the stakes the front office knows they are dealing with and the difference between the two players is that one should be moved before the Aug. 3 deadline, while the other should remain part of Toronto’s immediate future.

Why the Blue Jays should trade Ernie Clement

Clement has become a fan favourite during his time in Toronto. The 30-year-old second baseman has risen from being a DFA pick up to setting an MLB record for hits in a single postseason. A rise like that doesn't get any more spectacular and the fans have rightfully embraced the "Ern Dog" as one of their own.

But it's also quite possible that Clement has reached his true value. He was selected to start the 2026 All-Star game thanks to the fan vote, and while he was certainly deserving as he was one of the top second basemen in the league, this is very likely his ceiling. His defense has dropped to -3.1 fWAR after posting an 11.9 fWAR last year and being nominated for two separate Gold Glove awards (third base and utility).

With a 107 wRC+, Clement could be the second best second basemen available on the market after Luis Arraez. The San Francisco Giants are likely going to trade Arraez, while everyone else ahead of Clement in that specific stat are either already on contenders or key pieces of their respective team's future. A team like the Boston Red Sox could be looking to upgrade at the keystone considering they have gotten -10.3 offensive fWAR out of the players who have manned that spot for them this year.

The Astros (-8.7), Chicago Cubs (-7.0) and the Tampa Bay Rays (-4.8) are also likely looking to get a bit more out of this spot in their order and if they whiff on Arraez, they could turn to the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays, in turn, could command possibly a bit more in a trade package considering Clement isn't a free agent until 2029.

The Blue Jays have some intriguing prospects in the minors who play up the middle that are knocking on the door for a call up and this could be a good time as any for Toronto to cash in on Clements value and really seeing what they have in guys like Josh Kasevich, Charles McAdoo and Jay Harry.

Why the Blue Jays should hang on to Louis Varland

Every contending team is going to be looking for pitching at the deadline. Every contending team is going to be looking for shut down bullpen help. Every contending team should be calling the Blue Jays about Louis Varland. And Ross Atkins should be telling every contending team that he is not available.

There are few guys who should ever be untouchable. There are even fewer guys who fit into that category that also happen to be relief pitchers. But Varland just feels like a guy that might be part of a Blue Jays contender for years to come.

If they truly are hoping to contend again a year from now, they are going to be looking for a guy like Varland anyway, so you might as well keep him since he won't be a free agent until 2031. Sure, pitching and relieves especially, are so volatile and their production can swing drastically from year-to-year, but unless a team comes along and offers the Blue Jays prime, major league ready talent for him, Varland should stay.

The last time the Blue Jays sold at the deadline was in 2024 and that year they shipped out four pitchers including Yimi Garcia, Nate Pearson, Yusei Kikuchi and Trevor Richards. Pearson was the only one who wasn't an impending free agent at the end of the year. Therefore, it would be quite a shock in reality to see the Blue Jays move an impact player with that much term left.

Blue Jays need to give fans a reason to be optimistic about 2027 this year

The Blue Jays had a good thing going into the 2026 campaign. It was the team's 50th anniversary, they were coming off a World Series appearance and the moves they made in the offseason signaled that the team was going to be competitive throughout the season.

It didn't turn out that way and a lot of the fan base has soured on the team, as they have become frustrated with the results on the field. But a strong trade deadline where there is a clear intent to compete again in 2027 would go a long way to ending the year on a positive note.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow