The second AL East team I will be looking at, is the Toronto Blue Jays. Blue Jays are coming off a successful year for the team. They finished the 2020 season in 3rd place in the AL East with a 32-28 record, 1 game back of the 2nd place New York Yankees. With the 2020 season being unique, in that it allowed 14 teams, 4 more than normal, to make the playoffs, it gave the “rebuilding” Blue Jays a chance to get to October. Unfortunately, the Rays made quick work of them, sweeping the Blue Jays in the Wild Card round. Normally, a 3rd place finish and a first round exit in the playoffs would be disappointing, but given the circumstances of Toronto, I would count that as a successful year because it gave their core young players playoff experience, and it makes them hungrier to get back. Now let’s look forward and see how they look on paper for the 2021 season.
| Additions | Departures |
| RHP Tyler Chatwood | RHP Chase Anderson |
| LHP Steven Matz | RHP Anthony Bass |
| RHP David Phelps | RHP Ken Giles |
| LHP Robbie Ray (Re-Signed) | RHP Matt Shoemaker |
| RHP Kirby Yates | RHP Taijuan Walker |
| Infielder Marcus Semien | Infielder Travis Shaw |
| Outfielder George Springer | Utility Jonathon Villar |
The Blue Jays definitely got better in the offseason. They solidified their infield, got a solid hitting outfielder, beefed up their bullpen, and maintain stability in their rotation. The Marcus Semien signing came as a surprise because when you looked at the Blue Jays’ infield before the start of the offseason, you wouldn’t think they would bring in another middle infielder. I say this, because two of their core players, Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio, were their shortstop and 2nd baseman, respectively. Signing Semien, allows Toronto to utilize Cavan Biggio in more ways than one. Biggio is now able to play 3rd everyday, keeping Vladdy Jr at 1st, give Springer a day off and play center field, or play a corner outfield spot. I will get to Springer when I look at the projected line-up. A key name to keep an eye on is closer Kirby Yates. Yates is coming off an injuring-riddled 2020 season. Add that to the fact teams weren’t willing to spend that much money in the offseason, with a few exceptions, Kirby wasn’t offered that many contracts. He was still a “coveted” free agent though, as at least 3 teams were in on him, but he ultimately chose Toronto, and I think it was a great addition on Toronto’s part as it gives them a reliable closer.
Projected Starting Rotation
| 1 | Hyun-Jin Ryu |
| 2 | Robbie Ray |
| 3 | Nate Pearson |
| 4 | Ross Stripling |
| 5 | Steven Matz |
When it comes to the rotation, Blue Jays have several options to go with. Last year they gave lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu a 4 year deal to make them their top-of-the-rotation guy. That is until top pitching prospect Nate Pearson is ready to go a full year and take the role of “Ace”. Pearson is someone who I believe will break camp with the big league club, given the fact that he spent more than half the season last year in the majors. So, service time isn’t a topic of discussion anymore in my opinion. He has top of the line stuff, as Pearson sits comfortably at 99-101 mph, with a wipeout slider. Blue Jays have their top 3 rotations spots penciled in already, of course barring any injuries before the season starts. As for spots 4 and 5, that will most likely be settled in Spring Training. The options that Toronto has, are Steven Matz, Tanner Roark, Ross Stripling, and Trent Thornton. Matz, who they acquired from the New York Mets, will probably make the rotation out of Spring. He has the potential, always had, but just hasn’t been able to put together a consistent full year. Thornton, I believe will be used like how he’s been used his whole career; as a long relief guy out of the bullpen and if they need a spot starter he will be the go-to guy. The 5th spot comes down to veterans, Tanner Roark and Ross Stripling. I think this goes to Strip for the simple fact that the reason Stripling was traded to Toronto in the first place was because he wanted to start every 5th day, as opposed to coming out of the pen as a long reliever. So, in my opinion, unless Stripling has an awful Spring Training, I don’t Toronto putting him in the bullpen.
Projected Line-Up
| 1 | CF George Springer | R |
| 2 | 3B Cavan Biggio | L |
| 3 | SS Bo Bichette | R |
| 4 | 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | R |
| 5 | RF Teoscar Hernandez | R |
| 6 | DH Rowdy Tellez | L |
| 7 | 2B Marcus Semien | R |
| 8 | LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | R |
| 9 | C Danny Jansen | R |
The first name to keep any eye on, is new center fielder and leadoff hitter George Springer. Springer has been a great leadoff hitter in his career thus far, and Toronto putting him in the leadoff spot gives them flexibility in their lineup. It allows them to move their core down 1 spot, and thus deepening their lineup. The second name I wanted to look at, is Vladdy Jr. Since the Blue Jays got eliminated from the playoffs last year, he dropped 40 lbs. The one negative thing that was said when he came up, was whether or not his weight would stop him from fulfilling his full potential, as well as pose a burden on his defense. Not only does Vladdy plan on proving us wrong, but the weight drop will help him be versatile when it comes to playing 1st or 3rd base. The last name I will touch on, is Bo Bichette. He’s been arguably the best hitter from the 3 core “Baby Jays”. Not only that, but he is playing a premium position and gives his pitchers confidence that he will knock down anything.
2021 PECOTA AL East Projections
As seen above, PECOTA predicts Toronto to finish in 3rd place again, ahead of Boston and Baltimore. I got to say, when it comes to Toronto’s predictions, I may have to agree with PECOTA. I can see Toronto finishing in 3rd once again this year, but I can also see them falling to 4th if the Red Sox outperform expectations. At the same time, I can see Tampa falling short of expectations and finishing in 3rd place, allowing Toronto to get 2nd place and an opportunity to make the playoffs with either the first or second wild card spot. In the end, I predict Toronto finishing in 3rd, just missing the playoffs this year.
