Blue Jays reportedly 'prepare' to make disappointing trade deadline decision

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The Toronto Blue Jays are sitting only 2.5 games back in the AL Wild Card race this season, and could climb into contention soon.

But, they have a limited amount of time to do so, with the MLB trade deadline right around the corner on August 3. If they don't make up the ground, and if they get worse from here, there will have to be some tough questions asked about the franchise.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Blue Jays have a trade deadline wish, but they are preparing for the worst, which could have them as one of the top sellers this summer.

Blue Jays will 'prepare' to sell in case season goes south

"The Jays want to buy, but will prepare to go either way, according to a person briefed on their thinking," Rosenthal reports.

While the Blue Jays obviously want to be buyers at the deadline after their World Series appearance last year, they're also well aware that they might have to be sellers if things go south.

This report from Rosenthal makes it clear that the Blue Jays know that such a future is possible, and that they're already preparing in case things go wrong to be major sellers.

While they won't be trading players like Trey Yesavage, Vladimir Guerreor Jr., or Ernie Clement, they could wind up trading players on expiring deals.

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Kevin Gausman, Daulton Varsho, George Springer, and Shane Bieber are a few that stand out. Jeff Hoffman, Andres Gimenez, Jesus Sanchez, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Davis Schneider could all be trade chips as well.

This Blue Jays team might not be a contender by the deadline, and if that's the case, they are prepared to sell some of their players. It's going to be a seller's market, so selling if they aren't in a position to make a run makes a lot of sense.

For now, the Blue Jays still want to make the postseason and contend, but the fan base should be aware that the franchise is doing their due diligence and preparing in case it has to act as a seller later this summer.