The MLB is days away from the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline on Monday. Statuses vary across the majors between buyers, sellers or teeterers, but it seems clear where the Toronto Blue Jays will lean.
Reports have varied as to whether the Blue Jays will commit to selling at the deadline, but their current standing seems to indicate they will.
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Despite being winners of three-straight games and two consecutive series, Toronto entered Sunday with a 52-59 record and in the basement of the American League East. The Jays are 12.5 games out for first place in the AL East.
The Blue Jays have their star core, including first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (who’s regressed this season but has dealt with back issues), starting pitcher Dylan Cease, second baseman Ernie Clement, closer Louis Varland and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto set to return next season.
Several of Toronto’s injured players, including starting pitcher Cody Ponce and outfielder Addison Barger (both out for the season) are also expected to be ready for spring training next year.
This leaves the Blue Jays in a unique position to shed some of its $282 million salary, which ranks fourth in the majors, while still having hopes of being competitive in 2027.
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Several players have been floated out as potential trade candidates, including the team’s former closer.
It was reported several days ago that the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in a reunion with demoted closer Jeff Hoffman. Based on a report from USA Today’s MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Hoffman isn’t the only Toronto player Philadelphia is interested in acquiring.
According to Nightengale’s article, the Phillies are “intrigued” in a package of Hoffman and outfielder Daulton Varsho.
Hoffman entered the season as the Blue Jays’ closer. He ended up losing the job to Varland, who’s in the midst of a career-best season.
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Hoffman has posted a 3.94 ERA this season and has struck out 75 batters in 48 innings pitched across 51 appearances. Hoffman has also been mentioned as a potential target for another National League contender, the Chicago Cubs.
