Blue Jays Flip Script in Baltimore: From Sellers to Buyers Amidst Orioles’ Collapse

A year after a somber sell-off, Toronto thrives while Baltimore stumbles

A stark contrast defines the Toronto Blue Jays’ return to Camden Yards. Just 364 days after a demoralizing trade deadline sell-off, the team finds itself atop the American League East, actively pursuing upgrades, while the Baltimore Orioles are grappling with an unexpected downturn and selling off assets.

Grim Reminders of Last Season

The atmosphere in Baltimore last year was heavy with foreboding for the Blue Jays. As they arrived for a four-game series, the team had already begun dismantling its roster. Key players like Yusei Kikuchi and Justin Turner were dealt one day, followed by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Trevor Richards, and Kevin Kiermaier the next. This period marked a significant run of eight trades from July 26-30, occurring as the Orioles bolstered their squad en route to a wild-card playoff spot.

“You go into every season with so much optimism that you don’t ever think you’ll get to that point,” Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman recalled the grim series. “But we all knew probably weeks before that something was going to happen and it probably wasn’t just going to be one or two guys, it was going to be a handful of guys. It was tough. Especially losing Kikuchi, losing (Danny Jansen). Obviously Jano was here for a really long time, it was unfortunate. You definitely feel a lot more comfortable being in this position than the other.”

—Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays Ace

Orioles Dominate Opener, Springer Injured

The narrative shifted dramatically this year. The Blue Jays, now leading the AL East, kicked off their current series with an 11-4 victory. However, the win was overshadowed by an injury to George Springer, who was struck by a 96 mph fastball to the side of his head in the ninth inning. The frightening moment brought the crowd of 20,176 to a hush, with fans offering a standing ovation as he left the field assisted by trainers.

Starter Chris Bassitt struggled, exiting after just 2.1 innings and trailing 6-3. He allowed seven hits, including back-to-back home runs to Cedric Mullins and Coby Mayo in the second, and a two-run double to Adley Rutschman in the third. Despite the deficit, Bo Bichette continued his impressive hitting streak, recording four hits to set a new team record with hits in nine consecutive at-bats.

A four-run fifth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from trade candidate Ramon Laureano, put the game out of reach. Manager John Schneider utilized five relievers, preparing for a day-night doubleheader the following day, with Easton Lucas or Lazardo Estrada expected to start the opener and Eric Lauer scheduled for the nightcap.

Franchise on Opposite Tracks Ahead of Deadline

This challenging stretch comes at the end of a demanding 14-games-in-13-days period following the All-Star break, with the trade deadline looming. Manager John Schneider expressed concern over Springer’s condition, stating, “He’s doing all right. Kind of got him in the shoulder, then helmet. Thankfully he was able to turn a little bit, too… That’s the worst part of baseball for any side, is when a pitch gets thrown that high. You don’t think about baseball. You think about the human. It’s scary. It happens. It sucks. He was alert the whole time.”

Trade Market Buzzes as Blue Jays Plot Moves

Behind the scenes of the on-field action, the Blue Jays front office is actively engaged in the trade market, anticipating a flurry of activity leading up to the deadline. Recent moves, like the Detroit Tigers acquiring pitcher Chris Paddack and reliever Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins for catcher Enrique Jimenez, signal potential shifts in player values. Executives involved in trade discussions note that sellers are still aiming for high returns, particularly for pitching, but the leverage is gradually shifting as the deadline nears, potentially lowering ask prices.

The Blue Jays, having experienced the role of a seller firsthand last year, understand this dynamic. Schneider recalled his previous position, admitting, “sitting in this exact chair last year was not fun” when the reality of the sell-off, though anticipated, was still tense.

Strategic Acquisitions and Roster Balance

Last year’s strategy focused on replenishing the farm system, with players like Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner, acquired in the Kikuchi trade, already in Monday’s lineup. Schneider’s role has evolved, now centered on enhancing the current roster. He explained, “We’ve had a lot of conversations about how we can hopefully make the team better and then what the result of that would be. I think we’re doing a good job of trying to measure some of the things that are happening now and not just saying, OK, this is what’s going to be great on paper, but this is what’s going to be good for this team.”

Schneider emphasized the delicate balance of augmenting the team without disrupting the established roles and contributions that have led to their success. He stated, “You have to be aware of how we have arrived at this point and then do you continue to operate the way you are the rest of the way out? Or do you go for a little bit more of a stable look? … It’s definitely interesting, because what we’ve done to this point has been pretty sustainable and guys have grasped onto their roles. If it’s a slam dunk (talent add), yeah, OK, that’s easy. It’s not always that easy just to go get the best player that’s available everywhere, so you have to thread the needle a little bit.”

The front office faces the challenge of making impactful acquisitions while considering the team’s long-term future. Gausman humorously noted his relief that these decisions do not fall on his shoulders.

Player Perspective on Trade Deadline Excitement

From the dugout, Gausman and his teammates are keenly observing the trade market. The sentiment is vastly different from last year’s experience. “I love it, especially if you’re on a good team,” Gausman said regarding the trade deadline atmosphere. “It’s a lot different if you’re one of the bottom-feeders and know that you’re probably going to lose some friends and teammates, like we did last year. But this is what you hope for as a player, to be in a position where your team is going to add and hopefully add impact, whether it’s a pitcher, a bat, whatever.”

He drew on past experience, recalling his time with Baltimore in 2014: “I was with Baltimore in ’14 when we added Andrew Miller and man, that was such a jolt to the whole team, bringing in a guy of his calibre. So I’ve seen first-hand what it can do. It’s exciting, for sure.” For the Blue Jays, this deadline period represents a significant opportunity, a stark departure from the “everything but” situation of the previous year.