In one of the most shocking trade rumors of the MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly considering parting ways with two of their biggest stars—Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kevin Gausman—in a blockbuster trade proposal with the Chicago Cubs. The rumored deal has taken baseball fans by surprise, sparking widespread debate about the future direction of both franchises.
According to sources, the proposed trade would send Guerrero and Gausman to the Cubs in exchange for first baseman Michael Busch, outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, and top pitching prospect Cade Horton. If executed, this deal would mark a massive shake-up for the Blue Jays, who have long considered Guerrero a cornerstone of their franchise and Gausman one of the most reliable arms in their rotation.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a three-time All-Star and former MVP runner-up, is entering the final year of his contract. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, his inconsistency and looming free agency have made him a topic of trade speculation. Kevin Gausman, meanwhile, remains under contract through 2026 and has been a consistent force in Toronto’s pitching staff. Trading both would signify a major reset, suggesting the Blue Jays may be looking to retool or even rebuild rather than compete immediately.
In return, the Jays would receive Michael Busch, a promising young hitter who has shown offensive upside with the Cubs, and Cade Horton, a highly regarded right-handed pitcher who could become a front-line starter in the near future. The addition of Cody Bellinger—a former MVP with both elite talent and a checkered injury history—adds a layer of intrigue. Bellinger recently signed a multi-year deal with Chicago, but the Cubs may be motivated to move his salary to clear space and reset their roster.
This proposed trade has triggered mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some argue it makes sense for the Blue Jays to cash in on Guerrero’s value now rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Others see it as a dangerous gamble that could backfire if the returning players don’t meet expectations. For the Cubs, acquiring Guerrero and Gausman would send a strong message that they’re serious about contending, especially in a competitive National League Central.
One complication is Bellinger’s contract. While he has the potential to bounce back in a hitter-friendly Rogers Centre, his salary and injury history could be viewed as a liability. If Toronto takes on his deal, the Cubs may be expected to absorb part of the financial burden, making negotiations more complex.
As of now, this deal remains a rumor, and no official announcements have been made. However, where there’s smoke, there’s often fire—especially in the MLB trade market. With the Blue Jays at a crossroads and the Cubs eager to take the next step, this deal could reshape the trajectory of both clubs.
Will the Blue Jays pull the trigger on a bold rebuild, or will they stay the course and try to compete with their current core?