The Blue Jays were willing to make a bid, but may need to face reality with a 36-43 record and a minus-56 run differential.
It would take guts to make a big sale, given that fans in that major market would love to see Shohei Ohtani (or Juan Soto) in a Blue Jays uniform, but it might be wise to sell now. (The Blue Jays understand they’re short on time, but they’re not ready to make that decision just yet.)
They should have been better, but they have issues on offense, losing Marcus Semien and Teoscar Hernandez and trying to sign Corey Seager under the radar before he went to Texas but falling far short.
The Blue Jays probably don’t want to trade either Bo Bichette or Vlad Guerrero Jr., as both are still a year away from becoming free agents, but past long-term negotiations with both stars have rumored to have never come close to an agreement, and people who know the pair believe the Blue Jays have little chance of acquiring Bichette and a slight chance of acquiring Guerrero.
Bichette is now more valuable to the Dodgers, while Guerrero would be more valuable to the Mariners, Astros, Pirates, etc.
Free agent Yusei Kikuchi is likely a trade candidate, along with Yimi Garcia, and rival teams are also looking to tap Chris Bassitt.
If the contracts were lowered, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Kevin Kiermaier and Justin Turner would also become trade targets.
Starting pitchers who could potentially hit the market include Tyler Anderson, Garrett Crochet, Erick Fedde, Frankie Montas and Zach Eflin.
The Tigers could make a sale. Jack Flaherty would be a big piece, but Mark Cagna, Gio Urshela and Andrew Chaffin could also be valuable.
With their infield issues, would the Yankees be interested in Urshela?
Rival teams are looking at the Cubs as a potential buyer, but they don’t have many veterans available as trade candidates, so Cody Bellinger would be an intriguing option.
The Mets were once open to selling, but now they should only be buyers, especially when it comes to relief pitchers.
The Yankees will need to strengthen not only their bullpen but also their infield.
The Red Sox are looking to maintain the status quo for now, so Tyler O’Neill, Nick Pivetta and Kenley Jansen may stick around.
The Pirates have told teams they are trading promising pitchers for major league hitters.
Sadly, with the great Willie Mays gone, Barry Bonds is probably the greatest active player. In the clean category, Mike Schmidt, Greg Maddux, Ken Griffey Jr., Rickey Henderson and Sandy Koufax are the top contenders.
