The Toronto Blue Jays took full advantage of a great opportunity at the MLB trade deadline. Some notable players they sent elsewhere include reliever Jeff Hoffman, outfielder Daulton Varsho and starter Kevin Gausman.
The 2026 MLB season has not been kind to the league’s only Canadian franchise. A year after reaching the World Series, they are 52-60 at the trade deadline and last place in the American League East.
Out of all the trades they made, the Gausman trade had the most effect on the Blue Jays’ players and fanbase. He had been on the team since signing a free-agent contract before the 2022 season.
Upon news of his trading to the Chicago Cubs, several Toronto players were emotional on the team’s plane to Houston. Mitch Bannon of Sportsnet reported that Varsho, Gausman himself and outfielder George Springer were in tears after hearing the news.
The Blue Jays’ deadline frenzy is now at a close. There was heavy speculation in the days leading up that Springer would be traded, and it seemed sensible. As it happens he was not dealt in the end.
Like Gausman, Springer is on an expiring contract. His six-year, $150 million deal takes him through the end of the 2026 season. It has been quite a ride over the six years.
In six up-and-down seasons, Springer has played in 731 games and taken 3,164 plate appearances. He has slugged 131 home runs, collected 374 RBIs and posted a cumulative slash line of .260/.340/.455 (.795 OPS).
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The 36-year-old has made it known that he loves Toronto and the Blue Jays organization, so an offseason reunion could be in the cards. Though he is getting older, his 2026 numbers indicate that he still might have something in the tank.
In 81 games, Springer is slashing .239/.320/.411 (.731 OPS) with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs while serving primarily as the team’s designated hitter. He has been red-hot for a few weeks now, posting a .906 OPS in 77 plate appearances since July 8.
Whatever the club’s offseason plans are, they have left the door open to a Springer return. He could serve as a valuable veteran presence for a team in transition.
