5 of the Blue Jays' most valuable (but realistic) trade chips this offseason

Man, these Toronto Blue Jays are nearing some uncertain times, hey? Heading into this past season, the club looked to be one primed for contention, at least on paper. Instead, they fell flat on their faces and wound up finishing dead last in the American League East.

An inconsistent offense and one of the league's very worst bullpens will do that to you. The winds of change are very clearly going to be blowing this offseason, it just remains to be seen how things will shake out. The Blue Jays are extremely active on the free-agent market, but it's anyone's guess who - if anyone - they come away with. Last year, they chased after Shohei Ohtani and Cody Bellinger just to come away with Justin Turner, Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Should the Blue Jays have trouble luring a big fish like Juan Soto or even Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, they're going to need to try their hands on the trade market. There are some intriguing names floating around out there; including Luis Robert, Bellinger, Brent Rooker, Garrett Crochet, Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams and Jesus Luzardo.

Looking around the Blue Jays' roster, there are plenty of players that could bring in a haul in return, but we've got to remain as realistic as possible. The club is not going to trade away Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Kevin Gausman or anybody else that is anywhere close to irreplaceable. Don't forget: these Jays are going to try one last time to make it to the postseason with that Guerrero-Bichette core.

It's also worth noting that Chris Bassitt may not have a whole lot of trade value right now. Ditto for George Springer and his aging body and nasty contract. Anybody have interest in Hagen Danner, Tommy Nance, Nathan Lukes or Tyler Heineman? No? You sure?

Today, we're talking trade chips, but they've got to be realistic. Let's check out the most valuable ones the Blue Jays currently have in their inventory.