The end seems near for Blue Jays veterans Yusei Kikuchi and Yimi Garcia as the team heads into next week. The Blue Jays are clearly positioned as sellers as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
Despite the speculation, the Blue Jays had a brief respite with an off day on Monday, coming off a victory over the Detroit Tigers that prevented them from being swept at home.
While George Springer’s notable plays, like hitting multiple home runs or making key defensive plays, might grab attention, the focus is increasingly on next Tuesday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline. Additionally, recent events like Chad Green’s crucial save in a 5-4 win against the Tigers are overshadowed by trade rumors.
Yusei Kikuchi and Yimi Garcia are viewed as the Blue Jays’ top trade assets. Garcia, in his return from an elbow injury, struck out three batters in his recent outing, while Kikuchi allowed five runs over five innings.
With so many uncertainties—who will stay, who will go, the extent of the roster changes, and the timeline for these decisions—there are more questions than answers. Notably, respected baseball insider Bob Nightengale has reported that Bo Bichette, currently on the injured list with a calf injury, has indicated he would “welcome a trade.” Although he is not expected back soon, he had previously acknowledged the possibility of being traded.
Even when healthy, Bichette has not been performing at his best, unlike Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who continues to be the Blue Jays’ standout player. Both players are under contract for one more season beyond 2024, but Guerrero Jr. is clearly the player deserving of a long-term deal.
The franchise faces significant uncertainty, both leading up to the trade deadline and beyond, including the upcoming off-season and the 2025 trade deadline. The team’s chances of making the playoffs are slim, with FanGraphs giving them just a 1.2% chance as of Monday.
Kikuchi’s future with the Blue Jays seems bleak, as he is likely to make his next start on Friday. Despite the trade rumors, Kikuchi remains focused on his performance. “Yes, obviously, I’m thinking about the deadline sometimes,” he said, “but every start out there I tell myself that I’ve got to focus on the game.”
Professional athletes often block out distractions, but they are aware of trade rumors. Veteran players like Springer understand the importance of staying focused and fighting through the challenges. He emphasizes the need for the team to compete and build for the future, even if some players might not be around for long.
As the Blue Jays conclude their homestand with games against Tampa and Texas before heading to Baltimore, Springer has found his form again, hitting .377 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs over his last 21 games. His recent performance includes a standout game where he scored three runs and drove in three more.
The team is also using this time to evaluate players like Leo Jimenez for potential future roles. Springer is committed to helping his teammates and easing transitions, aiming to leave the team in a good position for the future.
