As the trade deadline inches closer and closer, it is clear what the Toronto Blue Jays must do. A team that entered the year with high hopes and playoff aspirations now finds itself stuck in mediocrity, if not outright failure.
The Blue Jays are now 45-55 and must shift their focus to next season.
Toronto ranks 21st in OPS (.688) and 25th in ERA (4.47). On top of that, key players such as Bo Bichette, Jordan Romano and Isiah Kiner Falefa have been dealing with injuries all year long.
With the trade deadline on July 30, there is no more beating around the bush: it is time to sell. The Jays will likely try to shop players on expiring deals. However, the front office should dig deeper and explore all corners of interest.
Here are five players that the Blue Jays should trade this summer and a potential landing spot for them:
Yusei Kikuchi
Of all the potential trade pieces the Blue Jays have, Kikuchi seems the most likely to go. He is on the last year of his contract, and would be a great piece for a contending team to add. Through 111 innings this season, he has pitched to a 4.54 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and has racked up 125 strikeouts.
A potential landing spot: The Minnesota Twins.