The Major League Baseball trade deadline is around the corner. Fortunately, the Yankees could capitalize on a potential sell-off from an American League East rival. Who could they pursue?
Brian Cashman’s Yankees need some teeth in some parts of the roster. The club is rolling in the right direction right now in the AL East. While the tables have turned for some other teams this season.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams; in fact, they are the main character in this horror movie they star in. Toronto is 12.5 games behind first place in the American League East and six games behind in the wild card race. What a difference between now and the 2025 World Series.
Yes, it’s a bit premature to be speaking on the standings; however, this topic plays a part in the talks of the trade deadline. There’s always room for teams in such a position to make a comeback, as the Blue Jays did last season. Right now, that type of turnaround is very hard to see. That being said, the club could be sellers at this season’s trade deadline. The Blue Jays have a few solid pieces that are worth market value, as well as players that could make a postseason impact for the Yankees.
Yankees Could Capitalize on Blue Jays Sell-off With Two Blue Jays Starting Pitchers
Shane Bieber would be a high target for the Yankees, should they pursue any more pitching at the trade deadline. Bieber started his tenure with Toronto last season, as he was a huge part of the 2025 World Series run.
The right-handed pitcher has returned from injury and has rejoined his club in the starting rotation. He’s thrown 23 and 2 / 3 innings with a 5.70 ERA. His numbers have been mediocre, and his performance overall has been inconsistent.
This is because Bieber has been rehabbing and getting up to speed with his pitch profile. Once he finds it, he’ll be back to elite status. The right-handed starter is in his player option year with the Blue Jays; however, he may not be around for long.
Toronto is at risk of losing him and gaining nothing for it; this is where the Yankees become valuable. There’s a chance the club could chase Bieber, offering options from the late top 20 prospects.
Kevin Gausman
The other high-leverage arm for the Blue Jays that could be on the move is right-handed starter, Toronto’s ace, Kevin Gausman. North of the border, Blue Jays fans and analysts agree that this could be Gausman’s last couple of weeks in Toronto.
The right-hander is in the last year of his contract, becoming a free agent in 2027. He is another strapped arm that is a big-situation-style player. The ace pitcher has led the Blue Jays rotation and team exceptionally throughout the season.
The veteran offers very durable innings and a very elite pitch profile. Like Bieber, Gausman was a huge part of the club’s regular season success that led to a fruitful World Series run. Clarke Schmidt and Carlos Rodón are currently on the injured list, with Max Fried just rejoining the team. The club could use another starter or mid-reliever, given their injury track record and recovery time.
Although there are options, both Bieber and Gausman could be major contributors in a good amount of wins.
George Springer
Aaron Judge is currently injured and slated to return late August. Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Amed Rosario are outfield options; however, what would a starting postseason outfield look like?
Judge, Bellinger, and George Springer. The Blue Jays outfielder is in his final season with the club and is going to be a free agent in 2027. Springer brings postseason experience, World Series experience, and exposure to big market baseball.
The outfielder could be in the talks of a trade, and the Bronx would be a good landing spot. His bat, consistency, and veteran presence would be very complimentary in the Yankees’ lineup.
The former AL Champions are not in any situation to be contenders. They’ll be selling off pieces, and the Yankees might be very happy about that.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
