Would Blue Jays consider Kevin Gausman trade if they fall out of playoff contention?

With a record of 19-23, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves at the bottom of the AL East. While there’s still time to turn things around, the Blue Jays could head in a different direction if the losses keep piling up.

If Toronto were to become sellers by the MLB trade deadline, Kevin Gausman would be a name that would certainly interest numerous teams across the league. The Blue Jays would listen to offers, but the front office isn’t chomping at the bit to get rid of Gausman, via Ken Rosenthal of Foul Territory.

“If you’re going to make a trade, who better to trade than Kevin Gausman. He’s a guy that when he’s right is absolutely an ace quality pitcher,” Rosenthal said. “If the Jays do this – and I do not expect that they will – then yes, Kevin Gausman would be available.”

“But, if the front office decides to take apart this team, it would be a condemnation on the team they put together,” Rosenthal contended. “Both are nearing the ends of contracts, I don’t know if they’ll be willing to concede so easily. Especially in the world of expanded playoffs.”

When Rosenthal says, “if they do this,” he is referring to a complete fire sale by the Blue Jays. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr are both free agents after the 2025 season. Rather than extend them, the Blue Jays could instead to get prime prospect capital in return. If the Jays are willing to trade either of those players, they would likely move Gausman too.

But to Rosenthal’s point, president Mark Shapiro’s contract ends in 2025 while general manager Ross Atkins’ runs through 2026. If they went into the end of their deals with a franchise just beginning a rebuild, they might not be there to see it through to the end.

While they’ve had a slow start, the Blue Jays still have the talent to rally back. Especially if Kevin Gausman is on the roster. It doesn’t look like he’ll be the first player placed on the trade block in case of demise, but Toronto would certainly consider their options if doomsday comes.

Kevin Gausman proves immense trade value with Blue Jays