Report: Blue Jays not shopping core pieces ahead of deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays appear willing to make some deals before the July 30 trade deadline but don’t intend to move any core pieces.

Toronto is not shopping any of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, or José Berríos, sources told Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Clubs would also have to “bowl over” the Blue Jays with an offer to acquire Guerrero, so a trade is unlikely, Nicholson-Smith adds.

The Blue Jays are, however, reportedly expected to deal players on expiring contracts, including Yusei Kikuchi, Yimi García, Justin Turner, Kevin Kiermaier, and Trevor Richards.

Toronto is expected to trade at least two players, according to Nicholson-Smith.

The Blue Jays are in a midst of their worst season since 2018 when they finished fourth in the AL East with a 73-89 record.

Toronto’s underachievement heading into the second half sparked trade rumors involving Guerrero and Bichette, with the first baseman softening his stance on potentially playing for the New York Yankees in June. Bichette also said in June he wouldn’t be surprised if he was traded before the deadline but is now on the injured list with a right calf strain.