The Toronto Blue Jays are starting the 2026 season poorly, sitting third in the American League East with a 25-28 record and trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 10.5 games. Recent results show improvement, with four wins in their last five games, but they need sustained success to climb the standings. If they remain inconsistent and approach the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline near the playoff line, they could become sellers. Pending free agents George Springer and Shane Bieber could be made available. Springer’s current production is limited, and his cost could deter buyers. Bieber’s impact is clear, but right elbow inflammation has kept him from major-league action, and injury concerns may reduce trade interest.
"The Blue Jays have been showing some signs of improvement as of late, winning four out of their last five games. While this is the case, they will need to stay hot from here if they hope to bounce back and move up the standings. However, if the Blue Jays continue to struggle with consistency and are on the wrong side of the playoff line nearing the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, they very well could end up being sellers."
"If the Blue Jays end up being sellers this year, George Springer and Shane Bieber are two pending free agents who they could make available for trade. It would be understandable if they shopped them, and this would especially be the case if they do not wish to sign them to contract extensions. Yet, while Springer and Bieber have both had their successes during their careers, they could also be difficult players to move."
"Starting with Springer, he would not be a cheap player for another team to bring in, and he has had his struggles this season. In 34 games so far this season, he has five home runs, 13 RBI, and a .206 batting average. With this, the four-time All-Star may not be the most appealing target right now, even if he has a strong resume."
"As for Bieber, there is no question that he is a high-impact pitcher, but he has yet to pitch this season at the major-league level due to right elbow inflammation. While he recently had a successful rehab start pitching in the Florida Complex League, his injury trouble could lead to some teams being hesitant to pursue him."
Read at Jays Journal
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