5 Blue Jays players who won't survive on the roster past the 2025 trade deadline

We haven't yet reached the All-Star break, but the Toronto Blue Jays have a handful of players who aren't exactly helping their playoff odds. Though they remain in a good position to still make the postseason this year, a lot of it could come down to what the team decides to do with this group.


Whether it is their performance, or other elements, let's explore why these five Blue Jays have lacked the spark to remain on the roster for the remainder of the season.

5 Blue Jays players who won't survive on roster past 2025 trade deadline

Bowden Francis

Francis was so impressive in the late stretch of the Blue Jays season in 2024, it was not too farfetched to believe he would be a big part of the plans in 2025. However, he has yet to repeat that success this season. One issue has been his struggles against lefties, giving up a lot of home runs to those hitters.

While he was dominant with six punchouts and didn't give up any runs in his last game against the Texas Rangers, Francis still owns a 5.04 ERA with a 2-6 record. Last season, Francis showed he is capable of putting up better numbers than this. He almost threw a no-hitter more than once, and he posted an unbelievable 1.33 ERA allowing only 8 ER in 54.0 innings pitched, with a stellar 0.50 WHIP across his last eight starts.

This season his numbers haven't been replicated and he has dragged the team down since the beginning of the season.

Eric Lauer

Eric Lauer has been a pleasant surprise fashioning a 2.75 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. He has helped out both the rotation and the bullpen earning a call up with Max Scherzer continuing to rehab his thumb injury and other players failing to step in.

Despite the solid numbers, Lauer will likely not remain on the roster or be utilized in the rotation if the Blue Jays pick up a high-caliber starter at the trade deadline. In addition, if Scherzer does return and doesn't face any setbacks, then Lauer will not be needed in the rotation.

Chris Bassitt

While Bassitt has been the Blue Jays ace this season in the rotation, he is also a prime trade chip candidate as he is an impending free agent. Moving Bassitt would be a tough emoitonal pill to swallo as he's brought them a ton of success in his tenure. But considering his age the Blue Jays could benefit from a fresher arm.

The Blue Jays could call up Trey Yesavage if he continues his impressive run in the minor leagues. They could also find a trading partner on the market who is willing to deal a younger pitcher, and they also have the impending return of Scherzer to the rotation, and despite his age, Scherzer's playoff success is something the Blue Jays would want to keep, should they make the postseason.

Jonatan Clase

Despite Clase demonstrating his solid speed and offense since being called up the Blue Jays have too many outfielders. Even with Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho injuries, Toronto has added Alan Roden and Davis Schneider to the mix.

Their outfield problem is only an issue as they lack depth in other areas. While Clase has been effective with runners in scoring position (5-10 with two doubles) and offers a ton of speed on the base paths, he will likely get sent down as the Blue Jays have Nathan Lukes, George Springer, and Myles Straw in addition to the previously mentioned outfielders. Optioning him back down will also be important for his development.

Andrés Giménez

Last but not least we have Andrés Giménez. While Giménez started the season proving his offensive worth, the early returns haven't carried over. While he isn't known for his offensive upside he has taken a steep decline, slashing .173/.240/.200 in 31 games since April 1st, before suffering a right quad injury which has kept him out since early May.

In his absence, Ernie Clement has been filling in just fine. The 2024 Gold Glove finalist at third base is playing like an All-Star at second. He hasn't looked out of place making dynamite Gold Glove worthy plays, and his bat has picked up lately. He's slashing .345/.391/.512 with three home runs since the Giménez injury.

Considering all these factors it will be interesting to see what the Blue Jays infield lineup will look like once Giménez returns, and he could find himself on the outside looking in.