Blue Jays trade deadline untouchables

As the MLB trade deadline creeps closer the Toronto Blue Jays need to weigh who they will dangle as trade bait and what players they define as untouchable.

The Blue Jays have a handful of players on expiring contracts who in all likelihood will be moved if there is a team willing to take them. Unfortunately, the likes of Marco Estrada, Francisco Liriano, J.A. Howell and Joe Smith will not yield the most plentiful bounty.

The Jays also have a certain right fielder who could be shipped out if Jose Bautista agrees to waive his 10/5 rights. Again the return for Joey Bats will not be nearly as significant as it once was.

The young controllable talent will be what teams covet however there are a few names on the Blue Jays roster who should be untouchable no matter what the proposed offer is for their services.

Here are my untouchables at the MLB Trade Deadline:

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Josh Donaldson– The timing isn’t right to move the former MVP, there is no rush to trade J.D now so why sell low on him. Donaldson is slashing .238/.358/.421 with only 9 home runs this season after missing time with a lingering calf injury. The Jays can always move Donaldson next season at the deadline if he rebounds offensively and the Jays are not in the playoff picture.

Marcus Stroman– The hurler has been the best starter all season long and is arguably the face of the franchise after garnering national attention for his efforts at the World Baseball Classic. Stroman is young, controllable and exactly what the game needs as well as a fan favourite north of the border.

Aaron Sanchez– The 2017 campaign has been disastrous for the young hurler as he has battled blister issues all season long. Sanchez has had four separate stints on the DL as he searches for answers on how to prevent and manage the blisters. Stroman and Sanchez are integral pieces to the Blue Jays rotation moving forward especially seeing there will be two vacancies once Estrada and Liriano sign with their new teams.

Trade if the package coming back is overwhelming

Roberto Osuna– The 22-year old has been lights out since breaking into the majors in 2015 and continues to improve sporting a 2.06 earned run average this season. For me, Osuna is on the cusp of being untouchable unless the Jays receive an offer that knocks their socks off.

Kevin Pillar– The centre-fielder is a game changer defensively and is controllable until 2021. Pillar sometimes gets a bad rap for his inconsistencies at the plate but for me, his gold glove worthy defence and gamer, run through a wall for his teammate’s attitude make him almost untouchable.

Next: Blue Jays: Who might want to trade for Jose Bautista?

These are my Toronto Blue Jays untouchables, comment below and let me know if you agree or who you would deem untouchable in trade talks.