TORONTO — The Blue Jays finally ripped the bandage off late Sunday, agreeing to a deal to send Kevin Gausman to the Cubs for a pair of prospects in infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman.
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It was actually the Blue Jays’ second deal of the day with the Cubs, after acquiring right-hander Jameson Taillon earlier in the afternoon. Recently designated for assignment, Taillon will now step right into that rotation spot vacated by Gausman.
There’s more to come, though. Max Scherzer joked Sunday that Ross Atkins will be up until 6 a.m. on the phone, which might not even be a joke.
This is the latest look at who else the Blue Jays could move:
RHP Shane Bieber
Well, walking six batters over two-thirds of an inning last week didn’t help things. Bieber was coming off two excellent starts, though, and is still a notable name on the market. For now, let’s consider him to be a tier below Gausman.
The qualifying offer is important here, though. The Blue Jays can issue one to Bieber following this season, and if he signs elsewhere, they would receive a Draft pick in 2027. Just how strong that pick is would depend on how much Bieber signs for under the current CBA.
The Blue Jays will need to weigh all offers against that. If Bieber’s market is underwhelming, this still won’t be valued as “zero” return in the long term.
OF George Springer
Springer has the rare and valuable 10-and-5 rights, meaning he has 10 years of MLB service time and has spent his last five seasons with the same team. That allows a player to veto any trade, giving them full control over where they’re dealt in a situation like this.
Even with Springer’s limitations, his market has grown -- and it’s easy to envision him as a “missing piece” for a team with World Series aspirations. His recent hot streak doesn’t hurt, either, but Springer had nothing to share recently when asked about talks with the front office.
“I’m here, and I love this team,” Springer said. “I love this organization, and as far as I know, I’m here.”
OF Daulton Varsho
This is another situation where the qualifying offer comes into play. If the Blue Jays aren’t getting the offers they want on the market, they can hold Varsho and extend that offer. Depending on how the final months of 2026 go, Varsho could either accept that one-year deal, or decline it and leave the Blue Jays with Draft compensation.
Several contenders have interest in Varsho, including the Phillies, who are also a potential fit for Gausman.
Looking for long-term replacements in center, the Blue Jays are likelier to target outfield prospects in deals, whereas long-term starting pitching options are likelier to come via “buying” deals.
RHP Jeff Hoffman
Hoffman is the Blue Jays’ wild card at this Deadline. He’s dragged his ERA down to 3.94 with an incredible two-month stretch, and while Blue Jays fans have understandably held onto the memories of 2025, Hoffman has bounced back admirably and could be one of this market’s most valuable relievers if the Blue Jays decide to shop him.
Hoffman has a year remaining in 2027, but in the eyes of the right buyer, that’s only more value. Hoffman is missing bats at an elite rate, and while the Blue Jays could just as easily hold him for another run in ‘27, he has elite upside if a contender can keep him on the track he’s on right now.
RHP Max Scherzer
If it’s all about “what have you done for me lately?”, Scherzer’s six innings of one-run ball on Sunday would raise some eyebrows. There’s no ignoring the rest of his season, though, which has included forearm, ankle and back injuries. He also recently got three injections in his right thumb, which he feels has finally quieted that issue.
Could there be a team willing to take a shot, though? Scherzer’s base salary of $3 million means that this won’t be restricting in any way, and if there’s a team willing to send cash or a player to be named later, it’s possible.
“We have not performed to our capabilities, and now the front office might have to make decisions about the roster because of that,” Scherzer said after Sunday’s game, prior to the Gausman deal. “I understand that. I respect the job the front office has to do.”