{"id":126634,"date":"2026-07-25T21:10:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T01:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=126634"},"modified":"2026-07-25T21:10:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T01:10:50","slug":"blue-jays-most-valuable-trade-chips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/07\/25\/blue-jays-most-valuable-trade-chips\/","title":{"rendered":"The Blue Jays\u2019 Most Valuable Trade Chips Ahead of the Deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Blue Jays are 3-6 since returning from the All-Star break, and as the losses continue to outweigh the wins, the likelihood of the Blue Jays becoming sellers ahead of the August 3rd trade deadline has been solidified after much debate over\u00a0their\u00a0stance<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

With a roster full of players who could appeal to playoff contenders, here are five of the Blue Jays’ most valuable trade chips, ranked by their likelihood of being moved.<\/p>\n

Blue Jays’ Most Valuable Trade Chips<\/h2>\n

No. 1: Jeff Hoffman<\/h3>\n

When he is bad, it is easy to be critical of Jeff Hoffman<\/a>, especially given that he gave up the game-tying home run to Miguel Rojas<\/a> in Game 7 of the World Series last year and his early-season performance, which was indicative of him getting the boot as the Blue Jays’ closer. But when he is good, it is hard not to see his value.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the start of June, he has given up only three earned runs. The 33-year-old veteran has established his slider as the nastiest pitch in his arsenal, with a 48.4% whiff rate entering elite territory. Pair that with a 33.5% strikeout rate, and he has shown that he has legitimate putaway power that would be appealing to any contender looking to add to the back end of its bullpen.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s hard to endure the aftermath of what Hoffman experienced last November, which may or may not have played into his early-season struggles. But given what the Blue Jays could get for Hoffman, taking into account his performance over the last couple of months should entice the Blue Jays’ front office. <\/span>And with the heartache he provides in Blue Jays history, a change of scenery could be good for both sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

No. 2: Shane Bieber<\/h3>\n

The stock of veteran right-hander Shane Bieber<\/a> has astronomically risen over the past week, given his struggles<\/a> after returning from injury. In his last two starts, Bieber has allowed only one earned run with nine strikeouts while taking both starts into the sixth inning or later.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jul 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) pitches to the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bieber is another interesting case because, much like Hoffman, when he’s bad, it shows\u2014but when he’s good, it stands out even more. Bieber thrives on precision. He doesn’t have a blazing fastball in the upper 90s he can rely on, but his last two starts have shown improved command. With only two walks while producing a high yield in ground balls in his last two starts, he has shown that the location of his pitches has improved.<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s no denying Bieber’s past also plays a role in this. As a former Cy Young Award winner, combined with his performance in last year’s postseason, when he posted a 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA after being acquired<\/a> just months before. He would be an attractive option for any playoff contender.<\/span><\/p>\n

No. 3: Kevin Gausman<\/h3>\n

Kevin Gausman<\/a> left the mound on Tuesday with most, if not all, of those watching thinking it would be his last start at the Rogers Centre, with his future as a Blue Jay up in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

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"I'm a Blue Jay right now and the focus is this team… But, yeah, that is kind of crazy to think about."<\/p>\n

Kevin Gausman on his future in Toronto. pic.twitter.com\/ldDhCNuikr<\/a><\/p>\n

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n