With the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline a month away, the Blue Jays are officially open for business.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca tweeted Friday that Toronto is open to moving controllable players as well as second-half rentals. The Blue Jays are 39-43 and in fourth place in the American League East.
Toronto already traded one of its veterans by dealing Steve Pearce to the Red Sox on Thursday. Pearce, 35, will be a free agent after the season, but he might just have been the first to go. Curtis Granderson, Tyler Clippard, Aaron Loup, John Axford, Marco Estrada and J.A. Happ will also become free agents this offseason, making them potential trade candidates as well. Happ in particular has already drawn interest from the Yankees, who are pursuing another starting pitcher.
Per Nicholson-Smith's report, some players still under team will be available as well. Justin Smoak (10 homers) and Yangervis Solarte (15 homers) could appeal to teams seeking power, while center fielder Kevin Pillar offers speed and elite defense. Based on general manager Ross Atkins' comments, however, it seems the Blue Jays will merely be fielding offers for such players rather than actively shopping them.
Toronto may also look to deal 2015 AL MVP Award winner Josh Donaldson, although his recent injury woes have made it increasingly unlikely that he'll be dealt before July 31. Donaldson, 32, has been on the DL since June 1 (retroactive to May 29) with a left calf strain, which is expected to keep him sidelined until after the All-Star break. The Blue Jays might be able to move the free-agent-to-be in August, however, if he returns healthy and plays well, and may also shop closer Roberto Osuna when he returns from his suspension on Aug. 5.
With no shortage of trade chips available, look for Toronto to be active in the trade market this summer.