MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays could part ways with $110 million star by trade deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 season as World Series contenders after reaching the 2025 Fall Classic but sit 39-44 entering late June. MLB.com reported that Toronto could trade 35-year-old right-hander Kevin Gausman before the August 3 deadline if the club remains below .500 in late July. Gausman owns a 4-6 record, 4.36 ERA, 95 innings, 93 strikeouts and is in the final season of a five-year, $110 million contract.CategoryDetailsBlue Jays record39-44AL East positionThird placeGames out of first9.5Gausman 2026 ERA4.36Trade deadlineAugust 3Could the Blue Jays trade Kevin Gausman before the deadline? MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan reported that Toronto could shop Gausman if the club remains south of .500 in late July. The veteran right-hander is under contract only through the 2026 season, making him a logical trade candidate if the organization shifts its focus toward 2027.Kevin Gausman trade watch:PlayerCurrent TeamPotential DestinationContract StatusKevin GausmanToronto Blue JaysContending team (TBD)Final year of 5-year, $110 million contractDespite a rough June that included a 7.62 ERA, Gausman's overall résumé remains attractive. Contenders seeking postseason rotation help would be buying a pitcher with 2,047 career strikeouts, a 3.84 career ERA and extensive playoff experience.Kevin Gausman and Toronto's 2027 calculationThe Blue Jays face a tension between short-term competitiveness and long-term asset management. Toronto entered the weekend only percentage points behind Houston for the third Wild Card spot, which is why league observers still view the club as more likely to buy than sell.However, a continued slide through July would change that calculus. Trading Gausman could allow Toronto to acquire prospects while preserving the option of pursuing him again in free agency after the season.What insiders are saying about Kevin Gausman's potential trade"If they still find themselves south of .500 in late July, it could behoove them to start looking ahead to 2027, which would mean shopping their pending free agents."The assessment from MLB.com reflects the industry's view that Gausman could become one of the deadline's most coveted starters if Toronto decides to pivot.Kevin Gausman's salary and contract details ItemDetailsContract length5 yearsTotal value$110 millionContract statusFinal seasonFree agencyAfter 2026 seasonAge35Kevin Gausman's 2026 statisticsStat2026Record4-6ERA4.36Games/Starts17/17Innings pitched95Strikeouts93WHIP1.19The next month will determine whether Toronto treats Gausman as a playoff rotation anchor or a premium deadline chip. The Blue Jays have enough time to climb back into a Wild Card position, but they also have a veteran starter whose trade value may never be higher than it is approaching August 3.If the losses continue and the Wild Card field strengthens, Toronto's most difficult deadline decision could arrive sooner than expected.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.