Toronto Blue Jays: 2017 Season Review and Offseason Preview

What Went Right

Despite missing almost one-third of the season because of injuries, third baseman Josh Donaldson was still a very productive player. He hit .270/.385/.559, with 33 home runs and 78 RBI in 496 plate appearances. That’s not quite at the level of his 2015 AL MVP season, but a full season at that pace would fit in well with the other 7-WAR seasons he’s had since 2013.

After years of straddling the replacement level line, Justin Smoak finally broke out with an above average season. He blew right past his previous career highs by belting 38 home runs and driving in 90. If this is for real, Smoak will be a bargain basement option at first base for the next two years, as he’s signed for $4.125 million next year, with a $6 million club option for 2019.

On the mound, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman moved into the role of staff ace. He was 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA in 201 innings. He’s not a top-tier ace because he doesn’t strike out as many guys as studs like Chris Sale and Corey Kluber, but he and a healthy Aaron Sanchez can be a nice 1-2 at the top of the rotation. He’ll earn a raise in arbitration from the $3.4 million he earned this year, but will still be a good value for the club.

In the bullpen, closer Roberto Osuna had another good year, with 39 saves and a 3.38 ERA in 64 innings. It was not without its blemishes, though. He also blew 10 saves, most of which came in the second half. Through July 27, Osuna had 26 saves in 30 attempts and a 1.91 ERA. From that point on, he saved 13 of 19 and was knocked around for a 6.23 ERA.

A couple of other bright notes: the Blue Jays selected reliever Dominic Leone off waivers and got 70.3 innings of 2.56 ERA pitching for nearly the league minimum salary. They also traded struggling pitcher Francisco Liriano for outfield prospect Teoscar Hernandez and saw Hernandez hit .261/.305/.602 in 26 games with the club.