MLB Spring Training: Toronto Blue Jays Full Preview
By Nick Fustor
Coming off their first 90-win season since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays figure to once again be among the league’s best teams with a boisterous offense and an emerging pitching core. Bats like reigning MVP Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista are locks to provide consistent offense, while young starter Marcus Stroman is poised to become the team’s ace after the loss of David Price.
Key Additions: RHP Drew Storen, RHP Jesse Chavez, LHP J.A. Happ
Key Subtractions: LHP David Price, OF Ben Revere, LHP Mark Buehrle
The Rotation: While seeing Price sign with the team’s division rival Boston Red Sox hurt in the short-term, the Jays could see a long-term benefit from saving roughly $200 million. Stroman returned from injury last season to dominate with a 1.67 ERA in 27 regular season innings – then subsequently helped the team advance to the ALCS. At 25, Stroman is just entering his prime and should seamlessly transition to the ace role in 2016.
Behind Stroman are a number of capable middle-of-the-rotation guys, including former Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, lefty J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada. The trio are all reliable innings-eaters, as they all pitched above 170 innings in 2015, and can limit opposing lineups just enough to give the Jays’ bats a chance to shine. As for the final rotation spot, the job looks up for grabs and will likely come down to 23-year-old Aaron Sanchez and Jesse Chavez.
The Lineup: The Blue Jays lineup is where the team truly shines, as it features offensive threats at virtually every position. Donaldson is poised for another MVP-esque season at third base, Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion combined to hit 79 home runs last season and should produce once again in contract years, and Troy Tulowitzki can enjoy a full season at Rogers Centre.
Here’s a look at what the team’s everyday lineup is likely to look like:
- LF Dalton Pompey
- 3B Josh Donaldson
- RF Jose Bautista
- DH Edwin Encarnacion
- SS Troy Tulowitzki
- 1B Chris Colabello
- CF Kevin Pillar
- 2B Devon Travis
- C Russell Martin
Add in the leadership from Russell Martin from behind the plate and the defense from Kevin Pillar in center field (15.4 UZR/150 in 2015) – and there’s the makings of one of the most balanced teams in MLB. Prospect Dalton Pompey could win the everyday job in left field with a strong spring, and would add another speed threat to a power-heavy lineup. The return of second baseman Devon Travis will be crucial to the success of the infield, but Ryan Goins should suffice in the meantime.
Whereas first base was a question mark heading into last season, Chris Colabello has a firm grip on the job after hitting .321 with a .887 OPS and 15 home runs in 101 games.
The Bullpen: The addition of closer Drew Storen strengthens an already strong group from last season. Roberto Osuna and Brett Cecil are the best candidates to shut down games in the seventh and eighth innings leading into Storen, but either could seemingly step into the closer role if an injury pops up. If Sanchez doesn’t win a spot in the rotation, look for him as the team’s go-to long reliever.
Competitions: While Pompey doesn’t have a firm grip on the left field job with the presence of Michael Saunders, it’s likely the two will have a heated battle for the majority of Spring Training.
Next: Texas Rangers Spring Training Preview
As for the number five starter spot, Sanchez has much more upside to become a front-of-the-rotation arm, so the Blue Jays may turn to him over the reliable, yet unspectacular, Chavez – but the two could be interchangeable throughout the season.