Jeff Passan predicts the Blue Jays will target the same need whether they buy or sell at deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to hover around the .500 mark, not quite good enough to compete for first place in the AL East but also not bad enough to fall out of the playoff race in a very poor American League.

As such, their play over the next six weeks and change will probably determine the front office's direction at the trade deadline, with a continued stretch of mediocrity likely inviting a few smaller, buy-side moves to merely prop up the already-existing core.

The roster has obviously been assaulted by injuries, especially on the pitching side of things. José Berrios, Cody Ponce, and Bowden Francis are all out for the year, and the rotation is still waiting for Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer to return. Trey Yesavage and Dylan Cease, both of whom are currently active, have also spent time on the injured list this year.

Naturally, Jeff Passan of ESPN believes that will be the area of focus for the Blue Jays at the trade deadline, whether the team decides to buy or sell.

Blue Jays may be facing uncomfortable Kevin Gausman question ahead of trade deadline

Passan suggested that, if the Blue Jays find themselves in a position to compete for playoff glory again, they'd be wise to target a starter who has a track record of being durable. He highlighted Sandy Alcantara for that very reason, who, despite missing 2024 with Tommy John surgery, ranks ninth in MLB in innings pitched (1,122.1).

He's a far cry removed from the 2022 pitcher who won the NL Cy Young Award, but the 30-year remains undeniably effective in a high-volume starting role. Alcantara owns a 4.33 ERA (4.07 FIP) while averaging nearly 6.2 innings per start with the Marlins this year, and he has a $21 million club option for 2027 in case the Blue Jays really like what he has to offer.

However, the bigger story is who Passan suggests the Blue Jays should sell at the deadline if they fall further below .500: Kevin Gausman. The 35-year-old ace is currently playing out the final year of his contract; thanks to his 3.60 ERA and 3.16 FIP this season -- not to mention his remarkably consistent résumé -- he would be one of the best rental starters available and could return a haul.

But trading Gausman away would all but confirm the team is punting on the season, which feels out of character for a franchise that was in Game 7 of the World Series less than nine months ago. Given his fan-favorite status and proximity to retirement, it'd also be weird to see him finish his career anywhere other than Toronto.

That's the reality the Blue Jays are facing, though. If they're out of contention by the start of August, Gausman may not want to play out his potential final season on a losing team. In order to avoid this conversation moving forward, the Jays have to start stringing wins together like it's 2025.

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