Shapiro: Hard to envision Donaldson trade improving Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro addressed third baseman Josh Donaldson's future on Thursday, a few days after reports surfaced that the former American League MVP could be traded ahead of the deadline.

"Josh is one of the best players in all of Major League Baseball," Shapiro said on "The Scott MacArthur Show" on TSN 1050. "I'm not saying it's impossible but it's hard for me to foresee any scenario where you trade one of the best players in baseball and get better."

Related - Report: Cardinals interested in Donaldson

Much has been made of Donaldson's rumored availability due to the Blue Jays' recent slip in the AL East, with several reporters speculating on whether the club would consider a rebuild.

Shapiro said his approach could be the opposite, with the Blue Jays adding to the team without sacrificing key assets.

"It's entirely possible that we, at this trade deadline, could be buyers and sellers, meaning we could make trades where we trade away players, but we could also make trades where we acquire major-league talent," he said. "I look at it as we're trying to get better."

Donaldson would generate a significant amount of interest on the open market, as he has one year left of arbitration until becoming a free agent in 2019. He'll earn $17 million this season.

The 31-year-old missed a large part of the season with a calf injury, appearing in only 43 games thus far. He's combined to hit .245/.357/.458 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs while being worth 1.1 WAR.