Blue Jays: What kind of trade value would Lourdes Gurriel Jr. have?

I have my doubts that the Blue Jays would consider trading Lourdes Gurriel Jr. right now, but what kind of value would he have if they did?

Throughout the offseason I’ve noticed several articles suggesting that the Cuban-born outfielder could be expendable, and his name frequently comes up in social media circles as well. I can understand that to a certain degree, but it always leaves me wondering what his value might actually be, and why his name comes up so often.

Before we get into the variables that could impact his potential trade value, let’s look at the performance on the field over the last few seasons. In 2021 he slashed .276/.319/.466 with 21 home runs, 28 doubles, and 84 RBI over an even 500 at-bats. It was a bit of a tale of two seasons for Gurriel Jr., as he struggled in the first half only to be one of the hottest hitters in the American League at times after the All-Star break.

For his career the 28 year old has slashed .282/.324/.492 over four seasons that have covered 347 games. In the early part of his career he spent the bulk of his time as second base and also at shortstop, but these days he patrols left field as his regular spot, and makes the occasional spot start at first base when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs a day off his legs.

Gurriel Jr. ended up being a quietly important contributor last season, and I could very much see the same ahead for him in 2022. Having said all of that, what kind of value would Gurriel Jr. have if the Blue Jays front office shopped him as an available player?