5 Blue Jays who aren't as safe as they think with trade deadline approaching

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The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is just five days away and it's inevitable that the Blue Jays will be sellers given the position they find themselves in, (46-55), bottom of the AL East and nine games out of a wildcard spot. It was reported yesterday by Ben-Nicholson Smith that they're selling pending free agents such as Yusei Kikuchi and Yimi Garcia in order to be competitive again in 2025.

However, the landscape of the AL East is changing with the Orioles, Yankees and even the Red Sox improving. With that being said, these Blue Jays aren't as safe as they think with the deadline looming.

Chris Bassitt

Bassitt has been a bright spark in a poor season for the Blue Jays. The 35-year-old is in the middle of his three-year, $63M and owns a very respectable 3.78 ERA across 21 starts. A few days ago, Jon Morosi stated that the Blue Jays would consider trades for players who are under control beyond this season . He also mentioned that there were a 'strong contingent of scouts' who watched Bassitt's last start against the Tigers.

If the Blue Jays were willing to offload Bassitt his best fits include: the Astros, who lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John earlier this season, the Guardians, who'll need a starter with postseason experience and the Orioles, who recently lost John Means and Kyle Bradish. The Orioles who have a top five farm system are even considering moving Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle. The Blue Jays would get a great return for Bassitt, even so trades between divisional rivals don't occur that often.

Bo Bichette

Toronto's star shortstop is currently on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain which he re-aggravated during last Friday's defeat by the Detroit Tigers. Therefore it'd be even harder to trade him at this point. He is in the midst of a career-worst season batting .223, with 4 HR, 30 RBI and a .597 OPS in 79 games.

According to Bob Nightengale from USA today, Bichette told friends that 'he'd welcome a trade' which sparked uproar amongst the fanbase. As a result of this, the Dodgers have been heavily rumored with him in recent weeks. Trading for Bichette would allow them to move Miguel Rojas into a utility role and the Blue Jays could get a fantastic return. Other potential landing spots include: the Mariners seeing as they've just lost J.P Crawford with a fractured finger and the Braves who lost Ozzie Albies with a fractured left wrist.

Kevin Gausman

Toronto's ace, who is in the middle of a five-year, $110M contract has also struggled this season. Gausman's posted a 4.55 ERA through 20 starts and to make matters worse, his strikeouts are down, his velocity has decreased and he's given up more home runs. On the other hand, he did throw his first career complete game shoutout against Oakland earlier this season.

At this stage it's unlikely the Blue Jays sell Gausman, seeing as they'll want to be competitive next year but a trade shouldn't be ruled out completely. Some teams, who are in postseason contention have lost key starters to injuries and Gausman would be a great fit, who carries plenty of postseason experience. These teams include: the Braves, who lost Spencer Strider and Max Fried, the Brewers, who lost Brandon Woodruff to Tommy John and the Cardinals with their aging rotation.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

With 5 home runs in his past 6 games, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s trade value is increasing. He's arguably been the Blue Jays best player this season slashing .296 with 18 HR and 62 RBI. On Wednesday during a livestream, Jon Heyman shared a rumor involving the Mariners and Guerrero. The Mariners need another right handed bat in their lineup with Ty France, who played first base, recently being placed on waivers. In addition, their offensive numbers third from bottom in the entire league, nonetheless they've just acquired Randy Arozarena from the Rays.

The Mariners farm system is now ranked the best in baseball after the MLB draft which could tempt the Blue Jays into trading their star player who has yet to be extended. However, Heyman revealed that 'he'd surprised if he is traded but at least he is being talked about.'

Isiah-Kiner-Falefa

Robert Murray reported on his Baseball Insider podcast that the Blue Jays are listening to trade offers for Isiah-Kiner-Falefa. The two-year, $15M deal is looking like a steal so far and it's one piece of offseason business which the front office can be praised for. This season he's batting .292 with 7 HR, 33 RBI with a .758 OPS and he's 2nd on the team in WAR. He's currently on the IL with a sprained left knee but if all goes well with his recovery is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Saturday.

His ability to play muliple positions should interest teams and the fact he's owed $7.5M next year, could make it even more tempting. Again the Mariners are a great fit, with IKF being an offensive upgrade on Jorge Polanco at second base, the Diamondbacks with Eugenio Suárez and Kevin Newman's struggles at third base and the Dodgers, who perhaps are the best fit as Max Muncy and Mookie Betts are injured.

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