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1 trade Blue Jays must not make at 2026 MLB trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The upcoming 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and no team may have a more critical period between now and August 3rd than the Toronto Blue Jays. After being one win away from capturing their first World Series since 1993, they now sit at 46-54 and last place in the American League East. They’ve made big moves this time of year in the past and none may be more important for their immediate future than this deadline.
Things have been downhill in Toronto ever since two-time AL hit leader Bo Bichette departed for the New York Mets in January 2026. Now that the team is in jeopardy of missing the postseason, rumors of a “fire sale” could be imminent as ClutchPoints’ Benjamin Adducchio writes, “A new report from Bob Nightengale at USA Today says Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is likely to be traded this summer.”
ClutchPoints’ Jackson Stone also noted Nightengale’s report, citing “If you’re going to trade (Kevin) Gausman, trade Shane Bieber. Then when you look at the offensive side, I think you’re going to have to move Dalton (Varsho) as well and hear about George Springer. George is a DH, so he’s not going to have as many suitors.”
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While all suggestions point towards the the Blue Jays being sellers at the deadline, ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently linked Toronto to one of the game’s best shortstops in what would certainly be a splash deal for their immediate future. However, the front office will have to make a decision whether they want to trade away future assets for a player that would help them win now, or if they’re ready to sell players and begin a new rebuild.
Toronto Blue Jays linked to Mets’ Francisco Lindor
The connection between Mets’ Francisco Lindor and Blue Jays’ General Manager and VP Ross Atkins is interesting as Atkins was with the Cleveland Indians for 15 years, helping develop Lindor through their system. With clear inclinations that the New York Mets could also be sellers at the deadline, Passan responded to SportsNet’s Jeff Blair’s inquiry to the possibility of Toronto going and getting Lindor.
“Absolutely [the Blue Jays] will make a call on this. [Lindor] has five years and $160 million left on his contract and the big question if you’re the Toronto Blue Jays when it comes to Francisco Lindor is do we want to trade for an up-the-middle player who’s going to be 33 years old in November?”
Passan continues, “[Lindor’s] production has been consistently awesome…he’s the same guy every year. He’s a great defensive shortstop who hits about 30% more than league average and that’s a franchise-type guy, but as he gets older, you lose a step.”
Lindor’s availability certainly hasn’t been what it used to be as he’s only played in 44 of the Met’s 101 games this season. Furthermore, Passan adds, “You’re not going to get Francisco Lindor on a contract dump, you’re gonna have to pay.”
This means Toronto will likely have to move several players like George Springer before the deadline to make room while also giving up an MLB-ready prospect in their farm system. The trade certainly makes sense in terms of filling needs at the plate and in the infield, but it doesn’t seem like a smart move to sell key pieces of your future and expect a 33-year old Lindor to save your season. Ross Atkins and CEO Mark Shapiro will certainly have some big decisions to make, but a traditional sell and rebuild could be a safer move for Toronto in the long run.
Still, the Blue Jays will want to sign a player to help them improve immediately and come away from this trade deadline with something to show for. ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett offers an alternate solution for a big deadline move, suggesting Giants’ infielder Luis Arraez as a potential target in lieu of a massive Lindor trade.
“Arraez has spent this season and most of his career at second base. He has played first base, too, and can also serve as a designated hitter. Of course, those three spots are manned by Ernie Clement, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer in Toronto. Even so, Arraez has the versatility to fill in at any of those positions when the aforementioned stars need a night off. The four-time All-Star even has some experience at third base, too.”
This offers a safer bet for a 29-year old with similar contact hitting to Bo Bichette without having to take on a massive contract. Arraez is currently on a one-year, $12 million deal and will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, leaving the door open for Toronto in the future. Either way, the Francisco Lindor trade could be the one worth avoiding this deadline.
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Related: Why Blue Jays could be ‘surprising’ sellers at MLB trade deadline
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