The Toronto Blue Jays are 32-29, 5 1/2 games behind the Yankees for the American League East lead. They are not out of the race, but things could change in the next month.
If the Blue Jays do fall out of contention, Bo Bichette could become the talk of the trade deadline. He is going to be a free agent after the season, and the Blue Jays may not be willing to, or afford to, pay him after giving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a $500 million deal. If that is the case, they could flip him to a contender for an elite prospect.
FanSided's Christopher Kline suggested the team trade Bichette in a deal that lands them Andrew Painter from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies' rotation is great, and they are trying to capitalize on their chances to win the World Series this year.
"Even after splurging on the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extension, this Toronto Blue Jays team is frustratingly... fine," wrote Kline. "There's still a path to the playoffs, but Toronto is leagues behind New York in a competitive division (and an even more competitive American League). It's clear Bo Bichette won't sign an extension, so he's a free agent in a few months."
Painter is the No. 5 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He has a 3.86 ERA in five Triple-A starts this season, but he may not be able to help the Phillies right now. Meanwhile, Bichette would be able to become an everyday player for them.
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Painter could become a staple of the Blue Jays' rotation for years to come. If they are not in the postseason race come July 31, Bichette should generate many trade offers. However, adding a player like Painter would be tough to pass up.
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