Alex Bregman one of several players who could help Blue Jays rivals at deadline

4. Red Sox, playoff odds: 40.7%

The Red Sox have better playoff odds than the Blue Jays but that hasn’t stopped Passan from listing them as a team who has plenty to give away at the deadline. He says there is a 10% chance they trade Bregman who has an opt out in his contract after this season. Passan adds there is a 25% chance they deal outfielder Jarren Duran, and a 35% chance they could deal relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman and starter Walker Buehler.

However, he adds the Red Sox could also be fits to get some of these top candidates in return. He says the Red Sox are a fit to trade for the likes of starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara, Freddy Peralta, Merrill Kelly, and Tyler Mahle. He adds they would be interested in some hitters including Naylor, O’Hearn and Ozuna. They are right on the cusp of ‘will they or won’t they’ when it comes to a postseason berth and the moves they make at the deadline will give them a definitive answer.

5. Cleveland, playoff odds: 39.2%

Eight different players could fit the bill for the Guardians and their hopes of returning to the postseason. Like the Blue Jays and the Mariners, the Guardians are looking to add to their offense and could be in the mix for an outfielder such as Durran, Ozuna, Cedric Mullins, Luis Robert Jr., Ward, or Garcia. But there’s also the chance they move a prized reliever in closer Emmanual Clase. Passan thinks there is a 20% chance they deal him because he’s under contract through 2028 and will earn less than $30 million over these next three seasons.

If the Blue Jays end up battling for a wild card spot throughout the rest of the summer, it could come down to whichever team snags one of these players at the deadline that makes the difference.