Where to Improve
Backup Catcher
While Martin won’t be benched with his hefty contract anytime soon, the Jays are in dire need of another catcher to shoulder the load while Martin figures things out at the plate. The 33-year-old is currently slashing .192/.253/.265 with only three homers and a career-worst 30.7 percent strikeout rate.
Although Martin improved in May with a .230 average, he was only hitting .150 in April and has looked lost at the plate. Martin’s struggles aren’t hard to explain, as he’s simply not making consistent contact with the ball. Much of his at-bats end with him chasing pitches just outside the zone or swinging early.
Some of his struggles can be attributed to a low .263 BABIP, but he hit .240 last season with a .262 BABIP. It may just take time for Martin to improve at the plate. But until then, the Jays will need to look into replacing his struggling backup, Josh Thole.
Thole’s career has been based off of providing solid defense behind the plate while being a less than exciting hitter. But this season, his offense has been horrendous. The 29-year-old is only hitting .143 with a .448 OPS. And his defense has been less than spectacular, so a new backup backstop may be in order north of the border.
Next: Targeting a Lefty in the Twin Cities