Atkins: 'Unacceptable' that Jays had to sell at deadline

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins acquired a haul of players for the team's pending free agents at this year's trade deadline, but he wasn't happy about having to play the role of seller.

"I'm disappointed that we're here and it's unacceptable that we're here and I'm sorry to our fans for that," Atkins told reporters after Tuesday's deadline had passed, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

The Blue Jays entered 2024 with hopes of finally breaking through after reaching the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. However, a slow start and continued inconsistent play ultimately doomed any hopes of contending. The team entered Tuesday sitting last in the AL East and eight games out of a playoff spot, while sporting a minus-75 run differential that's the fourth-worst in the American League.

Atkins sent away multiple veterans and pending free agents in the hours and days leading up to the deadline, including catcher Danny Jansen, who was the Blue Jays' longest-tenured player. All told, the trades brought 14 new players into the organization, many of which are prospects who can boost the team's farm system.

Despite the flurry of deals, Toronto opted to hold on to its players with multiple years of control remaining. The most notable names who stayed put were star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, who have both yet to sign long-term extensions with the club and are scheduled to reach free agency after next season. Atkins said Tuesday that he never came close to trading either of his franchise pillars.

"It was never our intention to trade either one of them," he said, per Sportsnet's Hazel Mae.

The Blue Jays entered this season sporting the majors' sixth-highest payroll at over $225 million.

The Blue Jays have made the playoffs four times since Atkins was hired as GM in October 2015, but they have won just two playoff series - both in 2016 - over that span.