Toronto Blue Jays MLB Trade Deadline Tracker: Rumors, Targets, Updates
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The Toronto Blue Jays entered Tuesday at 49-58 and last in the American League East. Their postseason odds had fallen to 7.8%, leaving the front office with little reason to protect a roster built around several expiring contracts.
Toronto should sell without dismantling the core it plans to carry into 2027. Here, we will track verified rumors, potential deals and completed trades leading into the Aug. 3 deadline at 6 p.m. ET. The most recent updates will appear at the top.
August 2nd
Blue Jays Trade Kevin Gausman to Cubs
The Blue Jays traded Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman, ending the veteran right-hander’s tenure in Toronto.
Southisene, 21, ranked No. 13 in Chicago’s system and hit .311/.431/.378 with 31 stolen bases across two Class A levels. His power is limited but his bat-to-ball skills are an asset that the Blue Jays can develop over time.
Bateman, 24, ranked No. 21 and is closer to the Major Leagues after batting .312/.431/.422 with 20 stolen bases at Triple-A Iowa. He gives the Blue Jays a near-ready outfielder with strong on-base skills.
The trade helps explain Toronto’s earlier acquisition of Jameson Tallion, who can absorb innings left by Gausman during the final two months of the season.
Blue Jays Acquire Jameson Taillon
The Blue Jays acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The move is a gamble to rebuild Toronto’s rotation depth rather than a shift away from selling. Taillon was designated for assignment after going 2-6 with a career-worst 5.92 ERA and allowing 25 home runs across 15 starts for Chicago. He is also in the final season of the four-year, $68 million contract he signed before 2023.
Toronto surrendered no guaranteed prospect in the deal and received cash to offset the remaining salary, limiting the risk if Taillon’s decline is more than just a rough season.
The acquisition could also prepare the Blue Jays for further movement before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline. Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber remain prominent trade candidates, while Max Scherzer could also be discussed if he approves a move. Taillon would give Toronto another experienced starter capable of covering innings if one or more veterans depart
July 31
Gausman Prepares for Possible Final Blue Jays Start
Kevin Gausman is preparing for the possibility that Saturday’s scheduled start against the St. Louis Cardinals will be his final start with Toronto.
Gausman told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi that he remains open to staying with the Blue Jays, but the two sides have not discussed a contract extension. The pending free agent said he does not want to leave while acknowledging that Toronto’s down year could force the organization to deal him.
Springer Open to Joining Red Sox
Boston had emerged as a possible trade destination for George Springer.
CBS Sports’ Julian McWilliams reported that the Red Sox have interest in Springer under the right circumstances and that Boston appeals to the veteran, according to a source familiar with his thinking.
Springer has to green light any trade because of his 10-and-5 rights. The Connecticut native grew up supporting Boston and has produced a .323/.400/.540 slash line with 10 home runs across 51 career games at Fenway Park.
Toronto Considering More Than Rental Trades
The Blue Jays continue to explore several deadline paths instead of limiting their discussions to pending free agents.
Sportsnet reported that Toronto is considering larger contract exchanges and other moves designed to address the roster beyond 2026. The front office could still trade Gausman, Shane Bieber, Daulton Varsho and other rentals while attempting to acquire controllable talent for next season.
Toronto is not expected to begin a full rebuild, meaning any deeper subtraction would likely require a large return.
July 30
Phillies Emerge as Potential Trade Partner
The Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies are emerging as trade partners ahead of Monday's deadline, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Philadelphia is searching for an outfielder, starting pitcher, and bullpen help, giving the two clubs numerous avenues for trades. Toronto can offer pending free agents Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Daulton Varsho, while Jeff Hoffman remains a possible option despite being under contract through 2027.
Morosi also notes that the organizations share neighboring spring training complexes in Dunedin and Clearwater, Fla., giving Toronto’s front office familiarity with Philadelphia’s farm system.
Varsho appears to be one of the more concrete names involved. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies are among the teams interested in the Blue Jays' center fielder.
Varsho’s expiring contract makes him a logical fit for Toronto’s expected sell-off, while his defensive prowess could address Philadelphia’s outfield needs. No deal has been reported, but the Phillies have become the leading destination connected to a Blue Jays player as the deadline approaches.
July 28
Smaller Selloff Expected
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported that some people within the industry expect Toronto’s selloff to be smaller than the nine-trade overhaul completed in 2024.
The Blue Jays are expected to discuss pending free agents Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Daulton Varsho, but they do not appear eager to trade controllable players or unload contracts purely for financial relief. Nicholson-Smith suggested three to five moves could be more realistic than another fire sale.
That approach would allow Toronto to recover value from short-term veterans without weakening the pieces expected to support another attempt at contention next season.
Gausman Could Headline Toronto’s Market
Gausman remains Toronto’s most prominent trade candidate. MLB.com identified the veteran as one of the club’s clearest options to move, although the approximately $7 million remaining on his contract could influence the return.
Gausman made his preference clear after Sunday’s start in Boston.
“I hope I don’t go anywhere,” Gausman said. “I don’t want to go anywhere.”
His next start is scheduled for Saturday, two days before the deadline. MLB.com reported that Toronto could bench him if trade negotiations are active, although no decision has been announced.
Crowded Outfield Creates More Options
Toronto’s returning players could force another decision. Jesús Sánchez is nearing the end of his rehab assignment, adding to an outfield group that already includes Varsho, George Springer, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and Yohendrick Piñango.
Sportsnet identified Varsho and Sánchez as the most apparent trade candidates from that group. Moving one would clear Major League opportunities for younger players while giving Toronto another chance to address its 2027 rotation or outfield depth.
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Wesley Dixon is a sports writer focused on thoughtful analysis, roster-building angles, player development and feature-style storytelling. He has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA, with work centered on breaking down team direction, player fit and the larger stories behind the game. Wesley is a lifelong MLB fan, following multiple teams throughout the league. He is excited to bring that same detail-oriented approach to On SI.