#5
The Toronto Blue Jays' young roster went through a tumultuous 2020 season and still made the playoffs. Was that a sign of things to come for the team to the North?
#20 - 3rd in AL East
MIH - Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
MIP - Hyun Jin Ryu
PTW - Nate Pearson
2020 Results
#11 - 32-28, 3rd in AL East, lost in Wild Card Round
The Blue Jays benefitted from the expanded playoffs by sneaking into one of the last two spots made available. After having a winning record and playing their home games in their AAA stadium in Buffalo, the young Blue Jays had to be excited about the success they saw. The team of baby boomers is filled with second generation MLB talent ready to burst into stardom. They took huge steps forward in 2020 that have to excite Blue Jay fans.
Additions / Subtractions
The Blue Jays made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by landing centerfielder George Springer in a major free agent deal. He will serve as a veteran presence with a lot of postseason experience to lead this team of kids. They also surprised by signing shortstop Marcus Semien to come in and man second base. As far as the pitching is concerned, mid-season acquisition Taijuan Walker signed a free agent deal with the Mets so the Mets traded Steven Matz to the Blue Jays. The Jays also signed Kirby Yates to be their closer, but a recent injury will require Tommy John surgery and put him out for all of the 2021 season at least.
Most Important Hitter
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
It almost feels like some people are ready to give up on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the can't miss phenom everyone thought he was going to be. People thought he would hit the big leagues and immediately win a Triple Crown. Instead, he has been good but not great, having 106 and 116 OPS+ totals in his first two seasons. Not having the immediate success everyone thought has led to him being passed up by some of his young teammates like Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio. With as long as we have been talking about him, it's easy to forget that Vlad Jr. is only 22 years old. He entered camp this year in the best shape of his life, losing a lot of weight in the offseason. Although the Blue Jays saw success in 2020 without the best version of Vlad Jr., seeing him fulfill his potential is one of the ways this team takes the next step forward.
Most Important Pitcher
Steven Matz
The new acquisition was originally touted as one of the Mets phenoms when he came up alongside the likes of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard. It seems like the high expectations that Steven Matz never quite met required a change of scenery to breathe life back into his career. Now he has that fresh start on a rising team. Hyun Jin Ryu established himself as the ace last season, and several others from the rotation are starting the season injured. It definitely gives Steven Matz an opportunity to make an immediate impact on his new club.
Prospect to Watch
Nate Pearson
He had a chance to make a huge impact in 2020 for the Blue Jays, but flamethrower Nate Pearson only saw the field for 5 games in the shortened COVID season. With that said, he did make the postseason roster and pitched some critical innings. Now, this 6th best prospect in all of baseball is ready to start the season in the rotation for the Jays (after a hopefully short stint on the IL) and be a crucial part of this team's pitching staff.
2021 Prediction
2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS
In 2020, the Blue Jays snuck into the playoffs and couldn't win a game once they got there. Now they have a taste of the postseason and want to get back. George Springer I think is possibly the most impactful signing of the offseason as he brings that veteran experience while still being in his prime to such a young team. It will be interesting to see if there is any impact with the Blue Jays once again not being allowed to play in Toronto to start the season thanks to border restrictions. I see this lineup taking off and leading them to the ALDS regardless of where they play.
Fearless Prediction
The Blue Jays will trade for a closer before Memorial Day.
With Kirby Yates going down for the year, it leaves a huge hole in the back end of the Blue Jays' bullpen. Before Memorial Day, they will identify a top end reliever with a hot start on a team that won't be competing this year (maybe someone like Craig Kimbrel for the Cubs?), and they will pull off a deal to make sure their bullpen doesn't cost them a chance to have a special team in 2021.
No comments:
Post a Comment