Many are envisioning this trade deadline as a dud, but if multiple bubble teams decide to sell — and sell big — they could easily rescue it from the doldrums. 

Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and former MVP Cody Bellinger are at least being discussed, AL Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal is being asked about and the reigning world champion Rangers possess a half-dozen or more quality trade candidates — if they sell.

Here’s a look at some intriguing teams on the sell bubble: 

Bellinger is being dangled, but the contract is an impediment. At $30 million a year with opt-outs, one rival exec says, “They will have to pay that down.” 

Reliever Hector Neris should be available, and so could Mark Leiter Jr. If it’s a bigger sale, solid starter Jameson Taillon, outfielder Ian Happ and second baseman Nico Hoerner are veterans who’d draw interest. 

The Mariners (among others) are said to be trying for Guerrero but with a year of control to go, rivals suggest Jays higher-ups are very reluctant to deal him. And with Bo Bichette out with injury, Guerrero is the key guy. 

Talented rental starter Yusei Kikuchi is likely to be the biggest trade piece, though they will listen on Kevin Gausman and perhaps even Chris Bassitt. Useful backup catcher Danny Jansen and reliever Yimi Garcia seem likely to go, and perhaps veteran bat Justin Turner, too. 

Rivals are suggesting now they believe a sale is unlikely, as the champs are playing better. Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle, Evan Carter and Josh Jung are on the way back and the division is surprisingly unimposing. But if they do sell, it could be immense. 

They have several pitchers on expiring contracts, and even assuming Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer stays, they could consider moving beloved rotation star Nate Eovaldi, All-Star closer Kirby Yates and October hero Jose Leclerc, plus Jon Gray and Michael Lorenzen. 

While there’s been a lot of public speculation about the elite left-hander Skubal, he has two years of control to go and most rival execs are suggesting the Tigers aren’t showing any interest in moving their ace yet. They do believe top rental starter Jack Flaherty has a good chance to go, though it’s possible Detroit could extend a qualifying offer. Relievers Shelby Miller, Will Vest and Andrew Chafin plus personal favorite Mark Canha also could be dealt. 

They already have traded three players (Aaron Civale, Phil Maton and Randy Arozarena, who was shipped to the Mariners late Thursday night.)

But rivals see the clever organization possibly buying and selling simultaneously. Isaac Paredes (Astros, Mariners, Yankees) also is coveted, as is ace pitcher Zach Eflin and closer Pete Fairbanks. Eflin’s $18 million 2025 salary may spur the Rays to trade him. Mid-rotation starter Zack Littell is also being discussed, and a bevy of fine relievers are coveted, too.