Blue Jays: Let the fire sale commence

The Toronto Blue Jays lost their 41st contest of the season last night signaling an inevitable fire sale that should commence sooner than later.

The Jays have an impressive contingent of players who could lure a plethora of young talent in return when the Jays finally decide to call it a season. Pitcher J.A. Happ has surpassed the former MVP as the most attractive trade chip as the southpaw continues to rack up strikeouts at an impressive rate.

The Yankees and Mariners have reportedly already expressed interest in the 35-year old who sports a 3.56 earned run average and a 10.1 SO/9 rate in 15 starts this season.

Pending free agent Marco Estrada has also upped his trade value of late surrendering two or fewer runs in his last four outings on the bump. The soft-tosser has lowered his earned run average to 4.48 after his impressive outing versus the Angels yesterday.

Seeing the Jays scored Teoscar Hernandez for the likes of Francisco Liriano last year, Estrada could yield a decent upside player in return.

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Gauging the trade market for Josh Donaldson could be tricky as we all know the type of talent he possesses, however, the aging third baseman has struggled to remain on the field this season battling shoulder and calf issues.

The Jays have to be banking on a return within the week and hopefully, the slugger can start putting up video game numbers in a hurry. This deal could go down to the deadline before it is finalized but Donaldson will definitely be moved before it is all said and done.

Steve Pearce returned from an extended stay on the disabled list and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. The veteran collected three hits and could be an attractive deadline piece for a team looking to strengthen their bench for the postseason push.

Every single reliever is potentially in play with Ryan Tepera already garnering interest from prospective suitors. The likes of Aaron Loup, John Axford, and Tyler Clippard could all bolster a bullpen.

Next: Blue Jays: J.A. Happ raises trade value

Realistically nobody is safe on the 25-man roster and the Jays could make a huge splash as they attempt to revamp the squad and turn their attention to the youth movement. Get your fire extinguisher ready, the fire sale is coming.