2 Blue Jays trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Toronto Blue Jays have been mired in speculation for weeks now. Most of the chatter has been about what their plans will or won't be and their goal of wanting to be competitive next season.

We're in crunch time now, and after last year's underwhelming deadline, it's anyone's guess what the roster will look like by the 6:00 p.m. ET deadline on July 30. With all hopes of competing for a postseason berth this season out the window, there will undoubtedly be pieces moved out before Tuesday as the Blue Jays become sellers. According to The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath, they are treading lightly as conservative sellers (subscription required).

2 Blue Jays trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

As fans, it's always hard to see players leave, especially if they've been a part of the core for a few seasons. However, at the end of the day, baseball is a business and we can all agree that expiring contracts need to be leveraged for the future. That's one area of the roster that insiders have confirmed the front office is looking to deal from.

Who will stay to play out the string this season and be part of the 2025 squad that the organization hopes to compete with? Who will leave and bring back prospects for the future?

With a handful of players at the end of their current deals, there are a few candidates general manager Ross Atkins can ship out the door. And despite trade rumors touching all parts of the current roster, there are certain assets that we don't want to see wearing a different uniform come July 31.

Here's a look at three pressing scenarios that have been discussed recently and our hopes for how the Blue Jays will handle the looming trade deadline.