According to FanGraphs, the Toronto Blue Jays only have a 15.6% chance of making the postseason. If they commit to being sellers at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Kevin Gausman would likely be their top trade candidate. 

As a veteran starter in the Blue Jays rotation, he is in the final season of his five-year, $110 million contract and will become a free agent following this season. This makes him a suitable rental target for teams requiring rotation depth. 

Gausman is a valuable roster asset despite his inconsistencies this season with a 4-8 and 4.33 ERA, so he stands as the Blue Jays' most logical trade chip for playoff contenders. As well, his track record and strikeout ability would generate significant interest in a highly active pitcher's market this season. 

The Blue Jays have fallen to 3.5 games out of a final wild-card Spot with a 12-4 loss against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. While they still have a chance, they would have to make a significant turnaround in their performance over the next two weeks, and with the way they entered the All-Star break, their performance has been stagnant lacking urgency. 

On July 16, MLB Network's Jon Morosi joined Ailish Fofar and Justin Cuthbert on Sportsnet's 590 The FAN to talk about the Blue Jays' options ahead of the deadline. 

Cuthbert stated, "When you have an uncertain offseason, I'd recommend you do your shopping now... If they don't improve their standing, [Kevin] Gausman is a name that's out there."

Why trading Kevin Gausman makes sense for the Blue Jays

Gausman would be a notable addition for contending teams such as the Atlanta Braves, who are in need of rotation depth amid injuries. The 35-year-old is still having a decent season despite some struggles and is considered a reliable arm who has remained in good health for most of his career. In addition he owns a 34.4 % chase rate this season that sits in the 86th percentile. 

He also has postseason experience with a 2.98 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 30.2 innings last season that included two starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. 

The Blue Jays going from runner-up in the World Series in 2025 to last place in the AL East standings in 2026 has been a tough blow. In addition, to make matters worse, they are also experiencing injury setbacks with Addison Barger, Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer. 

Overall, the picture is becoming clearer that they should trade Gausman if they aren't able to salvage their season, as he is a veteran who would be in demand by contenders and the Blue Jays could get a significant return for him.