Toronto Blue Jays GM opens up about rampant trade rumors

The Toronto Blue Jays have been heavily involved in trade rumors leading up to this summer’s deadline. It makes sense that Toronto enters MLB games today boasting a disappointing 28-30 record and in last place in the American League East.

First, with stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette the most in the rumor mill, Toronto is struggling a lot.

Guerrero Jr. has one more year of arbitration and will hit free agency after the 2025 MLB season. Bichette is also under contract for just one season.

If the Jays don’t think they can contend with the big boys in the AL East, trading one of those players makes a lot of sense. Just don’t tell the team that.

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Toronto Blue Jays GM dismisses trade rumors

“It just doesn’t make any sense to us” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said recently. “There will occasionally be times when you talk to other executives when they ask if you would consider it, and we just say it’s not something we’ve spent time on. Because they’re so talented and such great teammates, they’re attractive to other teams, so they’ll call.”

It might be more public posturing than anything else. A front office boss won’t make it clear that some of his best players are being auctioned. It makes no real sense.

Guerrero Jr. is hitting .291 on the season. But his power took a hit. The first baseman had just five homers and 26 RBIs in 58 games. As for Bichette, he’s hitting just .236.

Even if the Jays choose to keep those two players, it makes sense to listen to others. This includes George Springer, Justin Turner and Chris Bassitt.