The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the final days before the MLB trade deadline weighing their options after another disappointing season. Sitting nine games below .500 and fading from the postseason picture, Toronto has emerged as a seller, with several veterans drawing interest from contenders. Among the names generating trade buzz is longtime outfielder George Springer, who has reportedly drawn interest from the New York Yankees (h/t Jon Heyman of The New York Post) and Philadelphia Phillies (via MLB Network).
Springer has been one of the defining players of the Blue Jays’ recent era since signing a six-year, $150 million contract before the 2021 season. His finest campaign in Toronto came in 2025, when he hit .309 with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .959 OPS, while helping lead the Blue Jays to their first World Series appearance since 1993. He also delivered several signature postseason moments, including the go-ahead home run in Game 7 of the ALCS that sent Toronto to the Fall Classic.
Toronto is reportedly willing to trade Springer ahead of the deadline and he appears to have rebuilt his trade value before the deadline with his recent surge. However, the team currently faces a major stumbling block, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale: a shortage of demand.
“The Blue Jays are willing to trade George Springer, who’s in the final year of his contract, but there’s limited demand for right-handed hitting DHs.”
The lack of a strong market is an unwelcome development for Toronto. While the Blue Jays appear open to moving Springer, several contenders are prioritizing defensive outfield upgrades or left-handed bats.
Even the Houston Astros, one of the few clubs initially linked to a possible reunion, according to Matt Young of Houston Chronicles, have greater positional needs in the outfield. Not to mention that the Astros already have AL MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez occupying the designated hitter role, making Springer a difficult fit despite his history with the franchise.
As a result, the Blue Jays may struggle to generate the type of bidding competition needed to maximize Springer’s value before the deadline.
Toronto will begin its final series before the trade deadline against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. It remains to be seen if this will be Springer’s final appearance in a Blue Jays uniform.
